HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

“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

After #Helene, many people feel overwhelmed or anxious. Talking to someone can help. Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling, can help you recognize distress, provide you with referrals to resources in your area, and give you healthy coping tips. The call is free. You can remain anonymous, and help is available all day, every day. Here, a behavioral health specialist from the National Disaster Medical System provides support to a patient as she copes with Hurricane Helene.

Responders from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System are providing expert care to adult and pediatric patients after #Helene. Our responders have made sure the pediatric patients who come to our medical tents get the treatment and care they need following the storm.

Now, uninsured 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/evPyXWiQ

Now, uninsured 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. North Carolina residents from 179 zip codes are eligible to apply for EPAP assistance. For help, call 855-793-7470. To learn more about the program, check out our latest press release: https://lnkd.in/edBx-8F8

Today, ASPR announced plans to invest approximately $72 million in H5 influenza manufacturing to bolster our nation’s pandemic preparedness and continue our capacity building efforts. Under this agreement CSL Seqirus, Sanofi, and GSK will manufacture additional bulk influenza antigen and ensure that appropriate influenza virus vaccine seed stocks are available against circulating influenza A(H5) strains of pandemic potential. In addition, Sanofi will provide a continuous domestic egg supply so that the company is ready to manufacture egg-based influenza vaccine, such as H5 vaccine, at any time of the year. To learn more about ASPR’s new investment in pandemic preparedness, read the full news release:https://lnkd.in/eF24pUcJ

“I identify as Latina, Boricua, Puerto Rican, Caribbean. My heritage has significantly shaped the way I serve the public and has given me a unique perspective that enhances my approach to public service. Coming from a diverse background, I understand the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive practices. My experiences have taught me the value of empathy, adaptability, and the need to consider the varied social, cultural, and economic factors that influence people's lives. This perspective drives me to ensure that the services I help provide are accessible, equitable, and respectful of the diverse communities we serve.” - Claudia Román-Stolte, Lead Project Officer, Medical Reserve Corps #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth

#ICYMI: Today, HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell joined HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, officials from the State of North Carolina, Mission Hospital, and HCA Healthcare to discuss ways we are working together to ensure healthier outcomes for North Carolinians. ASPR has deployed 375 medical, public health, and disaster response professionals. Find out how they are helping people in the aftermath of #Helene: https://lnkd.in/e9R9Wq6Y

Today, HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell will take part in a press briefing via YouTube from Mission Hospital, where responders from ASPR’s National Disaster Medial System are working around the clock to provide medical care following #Helene. https://lnkd.in/e2GuGFsv

Responders from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System are continuing to care for patients in hart hit communities in North Carolina. Patients like Mark. When Hurricane Helene struck, Mark didn’t have the supplies on hand to manage his diabetes at home, so he went to Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, NC to get help. Responders from the National Disaster Medical System stepped in to lend a hand, administered insulin, and made sure he was ready to manage his diabetes at home. When disaster strikes, managing chronic conditions like diabetes can become much more complicated. If you or someone you love has diabetes, make sure you are ready to manage diabetes during an emergency. Here’s what you need to know: https://lnkd.in/dDRQJPxy