We are sharing the very latest with members twice each weekday. Morning updates go out via email, and we’re hosting daily online updates each weekday afternoon. Please note there will be no email update on Monday, but you can visit the main coronavirus page anytime.

Following are the latest coronavirus news and resources.

Three-Minute Member Survey: There’s Still Time to Weigh In
We urgently need a snapshot of the current state of personal protective equipment and testing among our membership. Please answer these fast questions to help us assure the reality on the ground is reflected clearly in the media. Thank you very much for your input!

Fighting For Members on PPE
Throughout the pandemic, one thing we’ve heard loud and clear from members is the challenge of acquiring adequate PPE. All across LeadingAge, we’ve worked to represent your needs and take action on your behalf. Our policy and media teams have been especially focused on this issue – and this week we’re seeing new results.

We have doggedly tracked down the real story behind federal response around PPE, calling on members to share stories and calling on administration contacts for insight. After much digging, our policy team uncovered the FEMA perspective on PPE deliveries. Join the live online update TODAY to hear directly from Colonel Brian Kuhn, who is leading FEMA’s efforts in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) packages to long-term care communities, about what’s happening and what we can expect next. Register now to attend at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Yesterday, we sent a letter to Vice President Pence imploring him to personally step in to help resolve the communications, logistics and leadership problems around access to PPE. Our ongoing national media outreach has emphasizes government’s inadequate and unacceptable response to providers’ needs and this week we saw significant coverage of the issue:

Wall Street Journal, Nursing Homes Say Some Protective Gear Sent by FEMA Is Unusable

CNN, Nursing homes receive defective equipment as part of Trump administration supply initiative

Kaiser Health News, Federal Help Falters As Nursing Homes Run Short Of Protective Equipment

And, of course, we continue to reach out to suppliers of PPE in an effort to identify safe, reliable supply channels for members to check with as a potential supplement to your existing vendors. These resources and more offers are posted on our website now.

Need Another Reason to Join Daily Live Updates?
In addition to Colonel Brian Kuhn from FEMA, today’s live update will include Nick Uehlecke from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be on to discuss the Provider Relief Fund. And starting next week, we’ll feature a special focus on home and community-based services, which so many of members offer as all or part of your services. Register to join us today and each afternoon from 3:30-4:30 pm ET.

Wellbeing When You Need It: New Virtual Session Recording
All of us working in aging services need to check in with our own wellbeing as we deal with the challenges and changes of the pandemic. This weekend, spend some time to check out the recording of last week’s Virtual Session Mental Wellbeing: Regaining Confidence and Control with geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Susan Wehry.This and other mental health & wellbeing resources are available for free on the Learning Hub. 

New Insights and Tools From LeadingAge
LeadingAge staff experts are developing essential advocacy, guidance and tools, and curating the most relevant resources for aging services providers. A complete timeline of insights, tools, and useful links is available here, so you’ll never miss an update.

Questions? Ask LeadingAge National, Your State Association, or Each Other
There are many ways to get help during this crisis. Contact LeadingAge’s national team directly or email us at covid@leadingage.org. If you have questions about local and state issues, contact your state association. Join the MyLeadingAge Member Community COVID-19 group to ask questions, access resources, and share best practices for dealing with the coronavirus.