VHCA-VCAL is Virginia’s largest association advocating for long term care providers representing 345 nursing centers and assisted living communities. Our members care for over 90,000 residents and patients annually through the selfless efforts of nearly 50,000 dedicated caregiving staff.
VHCA-VCAL is committed to providing high-quality education programming. Given the seriousness of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on residents and patients in the care of member centers and the limits of gatherings of more than 10 individuals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming events.
A letter from Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver issued on September 9 reiterates numerous actions long term care facilities (LTCFs) should be taking to keep residents and staff healthy. Reminders included in the letter address the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting, CMS testing requirements, CDC antigen testing guidance, reporting results from point-of-care testing, recommendations for hospitalized patients discharged to LTCFs, CARES Act funding, vaccinations, and training resources.
In a recent op-ed published by Virginia Mercury, Renee Allen, a nurse and the current administrator at Lucy Corr in Chesterfield County, shares why it is so important that communities work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As Allen explains it, since asymptomatic spread has been a prominent driver in transmissions, “it’s so important that we follow the guidance of public health experts — whether it’s wearing a mask or following social distancing guidelines. The virus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but what we can do is follow those practices that will keep ourselves and those around us as safe as possible.”
The long term care industry has never faced a greater crisis. The impact on providers, the residents we serve, and the vendor community is immense and ongoing. We are so proud to recognize the Pledge Partners who are standing with us. These companies have united with VHCA-VCAL to fight by pledging to fund and support the association even though we have had to cancel events and programs.
