April 16, 2020
by Dan Lemle
The COVID-19 public health crisis continues to reshape daily life for individuals and families around the world. The ongoing emergency requires smart and timely action from the health care system to help stem the spread of the virus and its impact.
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) nonprofit, community-based health organizations and their provider partners are rapidly innovating to help contain and treat COVID-19. For example:
- Intermountain Healthcare is manufacturing and shipping thousands of protective face shields to area hospitals and caregivers, with nearly 50,000 expected to be delivered by the end of this week
- HealthPartners is utilizing an innovative UV disinfecting robot on critical N95 respirators so that a single mask can decontaminated up to 10 times – helping alleviate PPE shortage. And Henry Ford Health System researchers are developing a sterilization protocol for masks that other health systems and hospitals can replicate.
Additionally, Geisinger Health Plan developed two new forms of protective equipment for its medical facility workers and Group Health Cooperative of South-Central Wisconsin developed a desktop droplet barrier made out of everyday items to help protect staff and reduce the risk of infection.
ACHP members are also securing the health and safety of their communities through enhanced telehealth, behavioral health and testing resources.
The health challenges created by COVID-19 demand new and evolving approaches. ACHP member organizations and their provider partners are meeting that challenge head on, developing innovative solutions that protect the health and safety of the communities they serve.
Additional information on efforts of ACHP plans and their affiliated systems during this public health crisis is available here.
