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ICYMI: Georgia Congressional Delegation Urged To Support Emergency Relief, Resources For Assisted Living Communities
June 20, 2020
In case you missed it, Members of Congress yesterday received a letter from the Georgia Center for Assisted Living (GCAL) and representatives of Association members throughout the state on the urgent need for Washington to support the men and women who live or work in an assisted living community as they battle COVID-19.
The letter, which is available online at ProtectGACare.com, warns Georgia representatives in the House and Senate that although assisted living communities face similar challenges in controlling the spread of the virus as hospitals and nursing homes, they have been largely excluded from receiving public support. None received PPE shipments from the federal government. None have received direct federal funding. And few have been prioritized for testing.
There are nearly 19,000 people living in Georgia's assisted living communities with 25 beds or more, and more than 18,000 caregivers supporting their needs. Of the deaths suffered with COVID-19 in long term care communities in the state, about 15 percent were living in an assisted living community.
Members of Congress are being asked to support a request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide emergency response funding. The request is for a distribution of $5 billion specific to assisted living communities like the agency did for hospitals and nursing homes from the Provider Relief Fund created through the CARES Act. GCAL also requests that Members of Congress contact FEMA and voice support for equipping assisted living communities with PPE that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
Assisted living communities are working around the clock to fight the virus, and they deserve help. Federal and state government support is needed urgently as they continue to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
To read the letter sent to the Georgia congressional delegation, please click here.
About GHCA/GCAL
The Georgia Health Care Association/Georgia Center for Assisted Living is a non-profit association of skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, and home and community based case managers called SOURCE. Advocates for Georgia's elderly since 1953, the Association represents the best interests of patients, residents and consumers as well as owners, administrators, and other personnel. GHCA strives to enhance the ability of its members to provide competent and compassionate care to meet the ever-changing health care needs of elderly Georgians. For more information, visit www.ghca.info.