COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak dominating news coverage around the world, our goal is to bring you the very latest information from federal, state, and local leaders regarding this virus.
Please scroll down for a variety of important information and resources below that are most pertinent to the work of Louisiana's Community Health Centers.
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES
Updated 08/12/2020
LPCA continues to monitor the COVID-19 progression in Louisiana, the impact it has on health centers, and how we can provide support during this public health emergency.
The COVID-19 virus is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and we will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Updated Vendor List for PPE
Paycheck Protection Program Webinar Slides (Breazeale, Sachse, & Wilson)
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund FAQs
Teleheatlh Update Fact Sheet (NACHC)
NACHC Federal Funds Spreadsheet
Louisiana's Plan to Expand COVID-19 Testing
ADA Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit
COVID-19 Serology Tests Approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA
Answering the Call: Louisiana's Community Health Center Response to COVID-19 (LPCA)
Managing Crisis Through Resilient Leadership | COVID-19 Resource Packet (NACHC)
Health Center Financial Loss Fact Sheet (NACHC)
COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement (HRSA)
Allowable Medical, Surgical, and Dental Procedures (Louisiana Department of Health)
Teleheath, COVID-19, & Health Centers (NACHC)
Louisiana Primary Care Association Weekly COVID-19 Calls with Health Centers
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA’s FAQs include requirements and expectations for health centers, information on how to prepare for a surge in patient load, and more.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is the chief federal agency in chage of addressing this outbreak.
Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Office of Public Health are working around the clock to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Louisiana. To prevent the spread of infection, the Louisiana Department of Health is heavily engaged in priority public health actions. Every day, twice a day, they update the state's coronavirus cases map.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
Clinical laboratories LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics announced COVID-19 testing availability. According to a LabCorp press release, the test is available for ordering by physicians or other authorized healthcare providers anywhere in the U.S. The test detects the presence of the underlying virus that causes COVID-19 and is for use with patients who meet current guidance for evaluation of infection with COVID-19. Learn more.
CDC Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
Based on the current COVID-19 situation and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), CDC has specific recommendations, summarized below. As we learn more about COVID-19 and as the needs of the response or availability of PPE within U.S. healthcare facilities changes, CDC will update their guidance, CDC Health Care Supply PPE»
Who needs PPE:
Additional Contacts for Supplies (PDF)
3M Technical Bulletin (PDF)
NEW: Project N95 Vetted Product Listing
Understanding the Supply Chain and Strategic National Stockpile
NACHC has brought together resources for health centers to better understand how the Strategic National Stockpile works and how understanding the supply chain to request resources from the federal government is essential. Additionally, NACHC sent a letter to the FEMA Administrator informing him of the role health centers are playing in their local responses, along with developed a template for PCAs to share with their own state emergency managers and Governor emphasizing these points. Finally, during this time staying vigilant and aware of potential fraud from vendors selling emergency related supplies and resource is an essential part of daily operations.
Understanding the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
Understanding Supply Chain Coordination
Fraud Schemes Guidance Alert
NEW: LPCA Letter to Gov. Edwards Regarding Need for PPE (LPCA)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an order to grant $200 million towards telehealth equipment and services to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act.
Applications can be filed through a dedicated application portal, which will be available beginning Monday April 13, 2020 at 9:00 am PST on the COVID-19 Telehealth Program page. To assist applicants in preparing their applications, an explainer video will also be posted on Monday on the FCC’s website. Questions specific to the application process should be directed to EmergencyTelehealthSupport@fcc.gov.
NACHC put together a summary document on the funding and how interested health centers should be ready to apply.
Capital Link also has a wealth of information on COVID-19 Funding Resources.
BKD is hosting a COVID-19 Weekly Webinar Series - Cash Flow Projections & Business Planning.
NEW: Grants, Loans, and Other Cash Flow Options for Health Centers During COVID-19 (NACHC)
Payments for COVID-19 Related Services Furnished to Uninsured Patients Under the Provider Relief Fund
CMS COVID-19 Telehealth Policy Changes
U.S. Department of Labor: U.S. EEOC: Louisiana Workforce Commission: BSW COVID-19 Preparedness Resource Center: Capital Link:
Now Available: Prepare Not Panic: COVID-19 CDC Update and the Health Center Response
NACHC released the webinar recording, slides and transcript from their March 6 webinar. This webinar provided information on how health centers can continue to prepare an organized response to COVID-19; share clinical protocols nationwide; and build systems in partnership with federal, state authorities, local public health departments, and community stakeholders to boost the health center response strategy.
The COVID-19 virus is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and we will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Updated Vendor List for PPE
Paycheck Protection Program Webinar Slides (Breazeale, Sachse, & Wilson)
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund FAQs
Teleheatlh Update Fact Sheet (NACHC)
NACHC Federal Funds Spreadsheet
Louisiana's Plan to Expand COVID-19 Testing
ADA Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit
COVID-19 Serology Tests Approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA
Answering the Call: Louisiana's Community Health Center Response to COVID-19 (LPCA)
Managing Crisis Through Resilient Leadership | COVID-19 Resource Packet (NACHC)
Health Center Financial Loss Fact Sheet (NACHC)
COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement (HRSA)
Allowable Medical, Surgical, and Dental Procedures (Louisiana Department of Health)
Teleheath, COVID-19, & Health Centers (NACHC)
Louisiana Primary Care Association Weekly COVID-19 Calls with Health Centers
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA’s FAQs include requirements and expectations for health centers, information on how to prepare for a surge in patient load, and more.
- The FAQs are available here.
- Emergency Prep and Recovery Resources for Health Centers
- Information on CARES Supplemental Funding
- Louisiana Health Center COVID-19 Survey Summary Report (Latest Data from April 3)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is the chief federal agency in chage of addressing this outbreak.
- Interim Guidance for Healthcare Facilities: Preparing for Community Transmission of COVID-19 in the United States
- Managing Anxiety & Stress
Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Office of Public Health are working around the clock to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Louisiana. To prevent the spread of infection, the Louisiana Department of Health is heavily engaged in priority public health actions. Every day, twice a day, they update the state's coronavirus cases map.
- Access LDH's coronavirus webpage here.
- LDH COVID-19 Testing For Medicaid Members (Updated, 3/16/20)
Testing, Supplies, & PPE Information
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
Clinical laboratories LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics announced COVID-19 testing availability. According to a LabCorp press release, the test is available for ordering by physicians or other authorized healthcare providers anywhere in the U.S. The test detects the presence of the underlying virus that causes COVID-19 and is for use with patients who meet current guidance for evaluation of infection with COVID-19. Learn more.
CDC Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
Based on the current COVID-19 situation and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), CDC has specific recommendations, summarized below. As we learn more about COVID-19 and as the needs of the response or availability of PPE within U.S. healthcare facilities changes, CDC will update their guidance, CDC Health Care Supply PPE»
Who needs PPE:
- Patients with confirmed or possible SARS-CoV-2 infection should wear a facemask when being evaluated medically.
- Health care personnel should adhere to Standard, Contact, and Airborne Precautions, including the use of eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield) when caring for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These precautions include the use of PPE, including NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, gowns, gloves, face shield/eye protection, etc. This includes, but is not limited to, surgical N95 respirators.
- The CDC now recommends that the general public use face masks when leaving their homes, but not those designed for healthcare professionals.
Additional Contacts for Supplies (PDF)
3M Technical Bulletin (PDF)
NEW: Project N95 Vetted Product Listing
Understanding the Supply Chain and Strategic National Stockpile
NACHC has brought together resources for health centers to better understand how the Strategic National Stockpile works and how understanding the supply chain to request resources from the federal government is essential. Additionally, NACHC sent a letter to the FEMA Administrator informing him of the role health centers are playing in their local responses, along with developed a template for PCAs to share with their own state emergency managers and Governor emphasizing these points. Finally, during this time staying vigilant and aware of potential fraud from vendors selling emergency related supplies and resource is an essential part of daily operations.
Understanding the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
Understanding Supply Chain Coordination
Fraud Schemes Guidance Alert
NEW: LPCA Letter to Gov. Edwards Regarding Need for PPE (LPCA)
Operations, Finance, & Information on Telehealth
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an order to grant $200 million towards telehealth equipment and services to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act.
Applications can be filed through a dedicated application portal, which will be available beginning Monday April 13, 2020 at 9:00 am PST on the COVID-19 Telehealth Program page. To assist applicants in preparing their applications, an explainer video will also be posted on Monday on the FCC’s website. Questions specific to the application process should be directed to EmergencyTelehealthSupport@fcc.gov.
NACHC put together a summary document on the funding and how interested health centers should be ready to apply.
Capital Link also has a wealth of information on COVID-19 Funding Resources.
BKD is hosting a COVID-19 Weekly Webinar Series - Cash Flow Projections & Business Planning.
NEW: Grants, Loans, and Other Cash Flow Options for Health Centers During COVID-19 (NACHC)
Payments for COVID-19 Related Services Furnished to Uninsured Patients Under the Provider Relief Fund
CMS COVID-19 Telehealth Policy Changes
Health Center Labor & Workforce Resources
U.S. Department of Labor: U.S. EEOC: Louisiana Workforce Commission: BSW COVID-19 Preparedness Resource Center: Capital Link:
Audio & Digital Resources
Now Available: Prepare Not Panic: COVID-19 CDC Update and the Health Center Response
NACHC released the webinar recording, slides and transcript from their March 6 webinar. This webinar provided information on how health centers can continue to prepare an organized response to COVID-19; share clinical protocols nationwide; and build systems in partnership with federal, state authorities, local public health departments, and community stakeholders to boost the health center response strategy.
