President's Message - March 27, 2020
Rich Rasmussen
Humbled to have the privilege of leading the Oklahoma Hospital Association
Our country, the state of Montana and MHA this week took bold action to address the threat of COVID-19. Congress moved swiftly and appropriately to advance a national financial rescue of our nation’s healthcare system and the American economy. After intense negotiations, our political leadership rose above the partisan divide to arrive at a package of economic tools aimed at supporting our nation’s healthcare safety net. The funding package provides more than $117 billion in direct support for hospitals and other measures for our health system. Many economists believe more will be needed if the virus cannot be contained. However, if we heed the medical advice of our public health leaders, we can still contain the virus.
While Congress was debating a fiscal rescue package, MHA was actively engaged in supporting the membership, caregivers and patients. The effort to sort, pack and ship personal protective equipment (PPE) took place last weekend when the state PPE cache and Montana’s share of the strategic national stockpile arrived in the state warehouse. With trucks rolling across Montana, MHA manned the state emergency coordinating center, working collaboratively with state officials in support of our communities and providers. This week, the association released a policy guidance document on the cessation of elective surgeries and yesterday asked Governor Bullock to issue a “shelter in place” order to stop the growth of COVID-19.
Our elected leaders are rising to the challenge. Governor Bullock has submitted Montana’s waiver request to CMS and issued a bold call to protect our families, caregivers and first responders with his “shelter in place” order late yesterday. Our congressional delegation, led by Senators Tester, Daines and Congressman Gianforte, came together to work for a better relief package for our healthcare community.
Now, it is up to us. We can strengthen and elevate the voice for our patients and communities. We can work seamlessly to ensure our healthcare safety net will hold as we wage this battle together. Montanans helping Montanans can help #stopCOVID19inMT.