The Richmond Times-Dispatch ran a cover story today highlighting the on-going needs of long term care providers and the need for more federal aid. The article notes how long term care facilities have not been priorities for testing, PPE supplies, or other resources despite bearing the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We really feel as though to date the federal government has underfunded what nursing facilities need to fight the virus,” according to Keith Hare.

 “Our profession has been sounding the alarm for weeks and weeks, but we have been largely forgotten by the public health sector,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, who was also quoted in the piece.

The reporting describes efforts of the association and Rep. Abigail Spanberger and others calling for federal aid for long term care. The article also provides details on how member facilities are handling COVID-19 outbreaks and describes Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order on liability protections for healthcare workers.

Read the full article: As virus spreads in Virginia long-term care facilities, push for aid intensifies (richmond.com, April 29, 2020)