Finkenauer Urges Federal Health Officials to Ensure Iowa Hospitals Have Protective Equipment
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) sent a letter to administrators at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesexpressing serious concern for healthcare providers in Iowa, specifically regarding the reported impending shortages of medical supplies, and urging them to provide more of a reliable resource for Iowa and other states affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
"While we understand that the state received gowns, gloves and masks from the National Strategic Stockpile, we have heard from state public health authorities that some supplies sent to them by the federal government have been expired - dating back to the H1N1 outbreak," Finkenauer said in the letter."With shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) now top concern for our local health systems, we worry that much more may be needed to improve the capacity of our local health care infrastructure in Iowa."
The letter, which was addressed to Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, asked specifically for more information on all federal resources that may be used to help states or health systems procure medical supplies in the event of a public health emergency.
"With documented cases of community spread of COVID-19, our health systems must be prepared to provide services to as many Iowans as possible and a lack of basic medical supplies puts patients - and providers - at risk," Finkenauer said."To head off potential shortages, we urge you to take all steps necessary to strengthen the Strategic National Stockpile."
Congresswoman Finkenauer’s Ongoing Response Efforts:
Thursday, Finkenauer held a telephone townhall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Health officials from Black Hawk and Linn counties participated and answered questions, as well as liaison for Dubuque City and County Emergency Health Response Team.
Finkenauer joined a call for President Trump to use his authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to increase production of necessary medical supplies. Wednesday, President Trump announced he would use the authority to avoid supply shortages.
On Tuesday, Finkenauer reached out to community leaders in Iowa asking for their concerns, priorities and more info on how the outbreak is affected local economies.
Sunday, Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds encouraging the state to create a more centralized location for key information, including consideration of school closures.
Saturday morning, Finkenauer voted to pass an emergency package to help Iowa families and health professionals impacted by coronavirus.
Taking early action, Finkenauer voted to approve a critical coronavirus funding package to help expand testing and research. Finkenauer also sent an oversight letter to the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar seeking specific answers on whether local health agencies and hospitals have the tools they need.
Last week, Finkenauer helped host a Small Business Committee hearing on Coronavirus and asked a witness about health and safety, and financial security for hard-working Iowans impacted by coronavirus.
Finkenauer followed up that hearing last Thursday morning with an oversight letter asking the Small Business Administration (SBA) about their progress on providing information on small business assistance to Iowans along with what methods they will be doing outreach to Iowa businesses. Later that day, the SBA posted this information webpage.
Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available at https://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information
Finkenauer’s office has been in contact with area hospitals, business organizations, schools and colleges with respect to the virus to understand any ongoing concerns. Friday, Finkenauer also spoke with Governor Kim Reynolds for an update on Iowa’s response to coronavirus.