Thread by @meganranney, Our healthcare system desperately needs a *coordinated* and *equitable* response in order [...]

Our healthcare system desperately needs a *coordinated* and *equitable* response in order to fight #COVID19 and to protect our communities.

A thread based on today& #39;s news.

1) First, we need funding and #GetMePPE

"Democratic leaders also said they wanted to add $100 billion for hospitals, community health centers & health systems...to shore up testing & distribution of critical safety gear for health workers" #COVID19 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/coronavirus-live-updates.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/0...

Coronavirus Live Updates: Record Number of New York Deaths; W.H.O. Warns Against Politics

New York State now has more confirmed cases than Italy. Congress mulls billions in additional funding. A jail in Chicago is the largest-known source of U.S. infections.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/coronavirus-live-updates.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage

2) But this #publichealth response MUST NOT be politicized:

"When there are cracks at the national level and global level, that’s when the virus succeeds.... Please quarantine politicizing #COVID19. That’s the way if we want to win.” - Dr Tedros https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061392">https://news.un.org/en/story/...

No need to politicize COVID-19: UN health agency chief

The COVID-19 pandemic should not be politicized, as unity is the “only option” to defeat the disease, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061392

3) The incarcerated & homeless populations are disproportionately at risk: did you know that Cook County jail is the newest #COVID19 hotspot?

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😢" title="Crying face" aria-label="Emoji: Crying face">

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/report-cluster-of-covid-19-cases-at-cook-county-jail-the-largest-in-the-nation/2252000/">https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/loca... @KelliOLaughlin

Report: Cluster of COVID-19 Cases at Cook County Jail the Largest in the Nation

Clusters of COVID-19 cases are becoming more common across the United States as the pandemic intensifies, and according to data compiled by the New York Times, a Chicago location has become the...

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/report-cluster-of-covid-19-cases-at-cook-county-jail-the-largest-in-the-nation/2252000/

4) Our patients with addiction are at increased risk, both because of decreased social support, because of unstable living quarters, and because - honestly - withdrawal is a horrible thing.

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/yes-liquor-stores-are-essential-businesses/">https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observati... by @MaxJordan_N

Yes, Liquor Stores Are Essential Businesses

Keeping them open can help people with alcohol use disorder avoid withdrawal symptoms including tremors, hallucinations and seizures

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/yes-liquor-stores-are-essential-businesses/

5) Our community members living with serious mental illness are particularly at risk, as their usual support systems (partial programs, daily check-ins from social workers, etc) disappear.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2764227">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/... @NicoleNugentPhD @

Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Populations With Serious Mental Illness

This Viewpoint describes considerations for the care of people with serious mental illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2764227

6) PS, psych facilities are also a potential nidus of #COVID19 transmission https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-mental-health-facility-becomes-hotbed-for-dozens-of-covid-19-cases/">https://www.wbrz.com/news/loui...

Cases of coronavirus grow at state-run mental health center outside Baton Rouge

Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, an organization that provides psychiatric services via facilities throughout Jackson, has reported that 61 of its patients and about 12 members of its staff...

https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-mental-health-facility-becomes-hotbed-for-dozens-of-covid-19-cases/

6) But ps, we are all at risk - isolation and an economic downturn are good for no one. #NowMoreThanEver we need to look out for our neighbor. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/calls-us-helpline-jump-891-white-house-warned/story?id=70010113">https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/...

Calls to US helpline jump 891%, as White House is warned of mental health crisis

Calls to U.S. helpline jump 891%, as White House is warned of mental health crisis

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/calls-us-helpline-jump-891-white-house-warned/story?id=70010113

7) Finally - I can& #39;t say this enough - our healthcare workers need support. Whether it& #39;s PPE, a hot meal, a stable salary, or just a listening ear .... look out for us, too.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/03/the-covid-19-crisis-too-few-are-talking-about-health-care-workers-mental-health/">https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/0... @drjessigold @judbrewer

The hidden Covid-19 crisis: health care workers' mental health - STAT

Many health care workers are barely keeping it together in the Covid-19 fight. They are anxious and afraid. We need to protect their mental health.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/03/the-covid-19-crisis-too-few-are-talking-about-health-care-workers-mental-health/

/fin

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