White House Convenes Leaders to Enhance Senior Care Amid Pandemics
Last week, the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, together with senior officials from the Biden-Harris Administration, hosted the pivotal second Long-Term Care Facility Leadership Summit. This significant gathering brought together key leaders from national associations and organizations, fostering collaboration and coordination efforts. They are dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s seniors and ensuring residents of long-term care facilities receive high-quality care.
United in Commitment
Focusing on Protection Against Viral Threats
The summit, building upon a previous gathering in October, centered around a unified commitment to providing older Americans with essential information. This information helps them make informed decisions regarding protection against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. These viruses are the leading causes of hospitalizations and severe outcomes among older populations.
Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the operational hurdles faced by long-term care facilities and explored how administration officials could further support these institutions in achieving our collective aim of minimizing serious illnesses among elderly Americans.
Planning for the Future
Senior Administration officials and summit attendees resolved to maintain their partnership, taking immediate actions to devise strategies for the 2024-2025 respiratory season. Moreover, these plans will be informed by best practices and insights gained from the current season, ensuring a proactive approach to healthcare for the elderly.
Administration Leadership
Guiding the Path Forward
Key participants included Maj Gen (ret) Paul Friedrichs, MD, FACS, Deputy Assistant to the President, Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy at The White House, and Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Furthermore, their involvement underscores the high level of priority the administration places on addressing the needs of long-term care facilities and their residents.
Sources: THX News & The White House.
