On behalf of Alaska’s hospitals and nursing homes, we want to thank Commissioner Crum, the team at the Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS), and the Dunleavy Administration for the latest efforts in securing resources for our health care system.
Our caregivers have endured unspeakable stress as they work to keep us safe, and our health care system has been tested in ways we never imagined possible.
The prospect of relief staff coming to Alaska, a call to action for mobilizing and expanding our certified nurse aide workforce, and the recognition that care standards are rapidly escalating to crisis, are welcome developments that will help us get through the Delta surge.
ASHNHA stands ready to partner with DHSS and our health care facilities for a quick, effective deployment of relief staff to the highest need areas in the state. We are also hard at work supporting the expansion of certified nurse aide training and developing ways to build and retain this critical workforce.
While these efforts are important, we also want to use this opportunity to call on all Alaskans to do their part. Mitigation remains the single best path for persevering through this surge and ending the pandemic. Support our caregivers by getting vaccinated NOW and wearing masks indoors in all public settings.