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NYC ACFs are Encouraged to Sign up Free Program to Help in Emergency, and More Resources!

Adult care facilities (ACFs) in the New York City are currently being contacted by association representatives regarding the following opportunities activities:

  • ACFs are encouraged to sign up for the Public Health Emergency Response Network (PHERN) Auxiliary Distribution Program (ADP) Program.  During certain public health emergencies in NYC, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is responsible for distributing lifesaving medical countermeasures such as antibiotics. One example that might require such a response is the release of anthrax, which would necessitate a quick distribution of antibiotics to prevent disease.  NYC DOHMH has set up a FREE program, to enable congregate care facilities, including, the ACFs, to register to obtain free antibiotics rapidly in the event of certain public health emergencies. We encourage you to consider signing up for this program; it is easy to do. Click here for more information about this program.
  • We are also working to help ensure that your contact information in your Health Commerce System (HCS) account is up to date. This information is critical in the event of an emergency, and the Department of Health (DOH) has discovered, in emergencies, that some facility contact information is out of date. The information is also important for various other reports and notifications. Click here for a Dear Administrator letter about the HCS roles that must be populated, as well as a guide to using the HCS.

Again, association representatives will be reaching out to facilities regarding these two initiatives; we encourage you to talk with them so you can take advantage of the aforementioned opportunity and assistance. Both will help ensure your staff and residents are better prepared in the event of an emergency. If you want more information and have not heard from an association representative, feel free to contact me.

Also in emergency preparedness news:

  • We want to remind members to attend training happening next week in NYC regarding the Healthcare Facility Evacuation Center (HEC) and new Healthcare Facilitye Evacuation Profiles. Click here for more information. 
  • NYC based ACF providers are invited to the 2nd Response Guides Community Input Session hosted by the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) at the NYC DOHMH. OEPR has been working to create a series of “Response Guides” which individuals and families, at risk populations, and organizations and businesses can use during an emergency to guide immediate actions.  Once complete, Response Guides will be posted on the Public Health Emergency Network website. At this session we would like to receive your feedback on draft Response Guides.  The Response Guides are meant to provide immediate steps one should take during an emergency in order to protect one’s self and others from injury and illness. As valued community partners, OEPR would like to gather and incorporate your feedback to ensure that the Response Guides are useful for the intended audiences.

When: Tuesday, June 30 2015, 8:30am – 12:00pm    (Registration begins at 8:30am)       

Where: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th Street, Room 14-45, Long Island City, NY 11101     Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 23rd using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/response-guide-community-input-session-tickets-17103678563.  Breakfast will be served. If you have any special accommodation needs, please contact NYC DOHMHM at communityresilience@health.nyc.gov.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828