AHRMM Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
We at AHRMM and the American Hospital Association (AHA) are tracking the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation daily, offering ongoing updates and the latest resources to the health care supply chain professionals. As the COVID-19 outbreak evolves, AHRMM is working with the AHA and other AHA professional membership groups (PMGs), as well as members, public officials, personal protective equipment (PPE) vendors, donors, suppliers, and association and health care leaders to help address the challenges of the COVID-19 response.
Please bookmark this page and check back often as we continue to update this information daily.
AHRMM Recommendations on COVID-19 for Health Care Supply Chain
The American Hospital Association continues to report on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). First identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus has spread globally.
AHRMM is engaged with numerous health care leaders, associations, and regulatory agencies in an effort to keep our members up-to-date on the latest activities surrounding COVID-19. We are working very closely with Strategic Marketplace Initiative (SMI), Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), Institute for Supply Management, ECRI as well as AHA professional membership groups to support health care supply chain’s preparation and response to COVID-19. A few items to note in light of this public health concern:
- Blood supplies were tight prior to the outbreak. Supply chain professionals should work closely with their clinical and laboratory staff in the conservation and management of blood products post outbreak. Review AABB's Tips for Hospitals – Extending the Blood Supply.
- Review and implement CDC recommended guidance for the extended use and limited reuse of N95 filtering face piece respirators in health care setting.
- Strategic National Stockpile is the nation’s largest supply of potentially life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out. For further questions or information about the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), email sns.ops@cdc.gov.
- Review the EPAs approved list of disinfectants that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
- On March 2, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for emergency use of all disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- Those who also oversee environmental services should review the Association for the Health Care Environment’s (AHE) COVID-19 Resources.
Only through ongoing collaboration and communication efforts with your suppliers and other resources, understanding product shortages and allocations you may be facing or expect to face, and identifying and implementing conservation measures can we hope to minimize supply disruptions and ensure uninterrupted patient care.
AHRMM Connect, our online member-only community, is the ideal place to pose questions or update other health care supply chain professionals on how your organization is handling this threat.
AHA Updates and Resources
Since the outbreak began, the AHA has worked closely with CDC, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies to ensure the health care field is informed and prepared to respond. The AHA has developed and shared a number of resources and updates the COVID-19 webpage daily.
CDC Updates and Resources
We recommend following CDC’s advice on preparing for COVID-19 and protecting your workforce. Resources for health care facilities offer guidance, steps and general strategies CDC recommends to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
WHO Updates and Resources
WHO offers evidence-based guidance according to eight pillars of WHO’s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan that every country can use to prepare and respond to COVID-19.
Upcoming Events
Virtual events related to COVID-19, offering ongoing updates and guidance.
Featured
100 Million Mask Challenge
The American Hospital Association is expanding the 100 Million Mask Challenge nationwide. We are calling on manufacturers, the business community and individuals across the country to coordinate efforts--facilitate new relationships with hospitals and health systems--in order to rapidly produce needed PPE on a large scale for our nation’s health care heroes.
Non-Traditional Supplier Vetting
We are currently vetting organizations which have access to critical PPE, supplies and services, and helping connect approved suppliers with health care organizations and distributors. If you would like your company to be considered, submit all required information and complete the submission form in its entirety.
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