PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
:
- Corinth-based Mississippi Polymers is making single-use protective gowns (pictured above). If you order 2,800 or more, the cost per gown is $1.33. Orders will be filled locally in Corinth by calling (662) 287-1401, ext. 212. To order less than 2,800, contact MTS's Ann Marlar by e-mail or at 1-800-647-8168 x 3001. MTS is handling smaller orders and the pricing is slightly different for smaller orders.
- The Food and Drug Administration lists Emergency Use Authorizations on their website. They have also established a hotline for PPE shortages and respirator shortages. You can call 24 hours a day to 1-800-INFO-FDA, choose option *. You can also e-mail FDA about shortages.
MS STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
: On Wednesday, state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers
put out a Health Alert
recommending that ANY patient tested for COVID-19 immediately self-isolate at home until their test results are available. "We have determined through case investigations that, rather than isolate, many symptomatic persons may continue to work or participate in activities outside the home while waiting for test results," Byers said. The MSDH has posted a
1-page document for you to provide to patients
after testing giving them advice about self-isolating.
LETTERS YOU MAY NEED
: To assist members we have drafted the following which can be adapted for your own use:
Essential Employee Letter
MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY:
Thursday, MAFP leaders met by phone with Colonel Greg Michel, director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to introduce our organization and to discuss PPE and physician workforce. We stressed the importance of our frontline doctors and their nurses needing to be properly equipped with PPE. Michel promised to relay that message to his county agents. He encouraged family doctors to continue to contact the
local county EMA agents
about your PPE needs, and if you find a resource on your own to utilize it.
Regarding workforce, Michel said he is gathering information to share with our members who have reached out to assist. We also requested information for the surge plan to share with our members. We are hopeful to have follow-up information soon. Note: On Friday, Michel announced on MEMA's Facebook page that PPE supplies will be arriving Saturday and distributed to 67 hospitals and others who have requested it.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
: The AAFP has put together a
page of COVID-19 CME offerings
that teach about COVID-19 topics, so you can learn and also receive CME. It includes links to its COVID-19 town halls, a pandemic self-study package, webinars and other educational resources.
JOY AMONG CHAOS
: Our friends at the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians have put together a
web page called Joy Among Chaos
which includes
links to wellness resources, positive stories and articles, and free educational materials. Go to this page in the coming weeks whenever you need a reminder of the good or a self-check on your well-being and self-care practices.
Mississippi's Coronavirus Hotline is now being staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-877-978-6453. The CDC hotline specifically for health care workers is 770-488-7100
.
***
HEALTH ALERTS
: If you would like to receive MS State Department of Health update calls and notices, sign up for the
MS Health Alert Network
.
ALMOST-DAILY NEWS ROUNDUP
: MAFP staff puts out a morning News Roundup with links to the most important articles you need to know about. To be added to the list to receive the News Roundup, e-mail
Kristen Kern
.
OUR WEBSITE
: Please continue to check the
MAFP Coronavirus page
for updated information and links to important resources.
MAFP will continue to send updates and resources as we receive them and we will add them to our page above.
MAFP
755 Avignon Drive
Ridgeland MS 39157
(601) 853-3302
