Stakeholders seek input on emergency preparedness
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:16 AM CDT, Tue October 26, 2021
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM, state and regional HME associations and other stakeholders have launched a survey to help guide an Emergency Preparedness for Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Committee that was formed earlier this year.
Information from the 10-question survey on provider experiences during disasters will be collected and sent to appropriate officials who may be able to assist with improved processes and programs. Committee members have already met with Tangita Daramola, the competitive acquisition ombudsman for CMS, as well as other agency officials.
The survey closes Nov. 11.
The committee was formed earlier this year when southern states like Texas and Oklahoma were hit with an unexpected winter storm that left many patients who rely on oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment without power for days.
The goal of the committee is to raise awareness of the need for breathing and mobility devices during a natural disaster and to develop a toolkit for providers to follow in emergency situations.
Committee members include:
- Dawn Seek of MNCHA
- Larry Dalton of OMEPA
- Beth Bowen of ACMESA/ATHOMES/NEMEP/FAHCS
- Bob Achermann of CAMPS
- Rose Schafhauser of MAMES/SWMESA
- Victoria Peterson of TexMEP
- Mike Calcaterra of Big Sky AMES/PAMES
- Chris Townsend of FAHCS
- John Gallagher and Emily Harken of VGM
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