The ACC joined with the American Heart Association and 11 other cardiovascular and health care society leaders on March 30 expressing concern “over the critical shortages of medical equipment, including ventilators, test kits and all types of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields and gowns, to adequately address the COVID-19 public health crisis.”

“Heroic health care professionals didn’t hesitate to step up to help those affected by COVID-19, and it is time for the federal government to similarly step up to take emergency measures at the federal level to increase the supply of PPE and other essential equipment,” the letter states.

The letter urges redeployment of PPE to areas in most critical need at a given time, using data from organizations like the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It also encourages continued promotion of telehealth as a means of protecting both providers and patients.

The ACC, along with the broader cardiovascular and health care community, will continue its ongoing, collaborative work with lawmakers, public health professionals, payers and others to help all those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, who are putting their lives at risk to help patients and their communities.

Clinical Topics: COVID-19 Hub

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Pandemics, Public Health, American Heart Association, COVID-19, Telemedicine, Masks, Protective Devices, Health Personnel, Coronavirus

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