HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

“I proudly identify as Afro-Latino, with roots in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and a multicultural Caribbean family background, including ties to the Bahamas and Jamaica. This heritage deeply informs my work, giving me a unique perspective that enriches my approach to public service. It’s an honor to contribute to our mission while representing my community, and I hope it serves as an inspiration to others.” - Tomas Widemond, preparedness advisor, Strategic National Stockpile #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth

“As an immigrant, I can see that each organization within the U.S. Government has a huge impact on the entire country, and all around the globe. This is a great example to follow all around the world, and that makes me proud of what I do as a supply management specialist and facilities operations, and to be part of ASPR. If an emergency comes, ASPR will be there to help all the communities no matter ethnicity.” - Balmore Lemus, facilities operation specialist, Office for Administration #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth

How many times have people gotten help at ASPR’s medical tents in North Carolina following #Helene? Over 1,000 and counting! Responders from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System have treated wounds, taken x-rays, helped people manage chronic conditions, and much more.

“My Hispanic/Latino heritage profoundly shapes the way I serve the public and provides a unique perspective that enhances my contributions to public service. It gives me an intrinsic understanding of the cultural nuances, values, and challenges faced by minority communities, allowing me to approach public service with greater empathy and cultural sensitivity. This helps me work to ensure that the needs and concerns of these communities are addressed respectfully and effectively. My cultural understanding and unique perspective on the challenges that Hispanic/Latino and other minority communities face daily have driven me to consistently advocate for policies, programs, and services tailored to their needs.” - Jose Velasco, Director, Infrastructure Analysis & Risk Mitigation Division, Center for Preparedness #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth

Now, uninsured Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene can replace their 30-day supply of certain prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies from any pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP). For example, EPAP pays for replacements of canes; crutches; walkers; wheelchairs; blood sugar meters, and blood sugar test strips for diabetics. Vaccinations provided by retail pharmacies also may be covered under EPAP. For help, call 855-793-7470 (TTY 800-876-1089). To learn more about the program, check out our latest press release: https://lnkd.in/e2MBBQ2e

HHS Secretary Becerra reached out to both public and private partners in response to the supply disruption at the Baxter facility in Marion, North Carolina. HHS is coordinating a government-wide response to address the supply chain disruptions in essential medical products, such as IV solutions, irrigation fluids, and peritoneal solutions to the U.S. medical system, that are produced at the Baxter facility. ? As part of that response, ASPR is actively working with Baxter and other USG partners to support infrastructure repairs and ensure the facility can resume operations as quickly as possible. ASPR is providing technical assistance and support to increase manufacturing at other domestic sites where possible. ? We need from many sectors to ensure that we use the resources we have wisely and minimize disruptions in patient care. HHS Secretary Becerra has called on manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to evaluate product allocation and health care providers to implement product conservation strategies to maintain safe, quality patient care and maximize available supply. He has also encouraged all providers and health systems to take measures to conserve these critical products. ? To learn more about the actions that we are taking to protect supply chains following Hurricane Helene, read the Secretary’s recent letter. https://lnkd.in/ewc-3J2M

From California to Rhode Island, ASPR's National Disaster Medical System brings together responders from across the country to care for patients following #Helene. NDMS responders have treated wounds, taken x-rays, helped people manage chronic conditions, and much more.

HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell kicked off the 2nd U.S. Joint External Evaluation, a voluntary, collaborative, multisectoral process to assess country capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to public health risks and identify gaps and areas of improvement within our public health system. ASPR convened 300+ subject matter experts from 27 U.S. federal Departments and agencies to assess U.S. capabilities. The Biden-Harris administration committed to conducting a 2nd Joint External Evaluation, following the United States’ first in 2016, as part of its broader commitment to the implementation of the International Health Regulations.

Today, HHS Secretary Becerra declared a Public Health Emergency in Florida as #Milton approaches. The Public Health Emergency Declaration gives Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services health care providers and suppliers more flexibility in meeting the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This is the second Public Health Emergency declaration for Florida in just two weeks. In addition, ASPR has deployed approximately 100 public health, medical, and emergency responders who are strategically positioned to go anywhere needed in the state, and we have experts ready to support recovery requests. https://lnkd.in/eekfvv-5

“Growing up Mexican American in Southern California, I was exposed to a variety of minority communities who worked hard to obtain and maintain access to quality health care. After I completed my undergraduate degree, I accepted an opportunity to work in the U.S. AmeriCorps program where I assisted uninsured eligible individuals and families within the southern Los Angeles area to better understand the health care system, how to choose health insurance, and help families navigate through various available health care options. This was my first exposure to public health work in action which inspired me to go back to school and earn my master’s degree in public health. Together, my unique experiences and perspectives as a firsthand witness to the power of public health work has contributed deeply as to why I chose to trailblaze a career in public service.” - Natalie Sanchez, Director, Resource Liaison Program, Strategic National Stockpile #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth