AFT Vermont nurses and healtcare profesionals at UVM Mecial Center, Porter Medical Center, Brattleboro Medical Center and the Community Health Center of Burlington have asked the Governor to:
· Expand State funding for the purchase of PPE.
· Direct all Vermont businesses who have a current supply of PPE, which is not being used by essential workers, to turn over their inventory to the Vermont Emergency Management Office, who will then distribute to our local healthcare facilities in need. For example; business that are closed such as, nail salons, construction and trades, tattoo parlors, etc. The State of Vermont will reimburse these local businesses for their inventory at cost.
· Direct all Vermont business who have manufacturing capabilities to convert or expand their abilities to produce PPE
· Issue guidance for manufacturing based on the highest level of protection for our patients and staff, which we define as N95 masks, PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator), procedural masks, coveralls meeting ASTM (American Standard for Testing and Materials) standard, disposable full-face shields, goggles, gloves and any, all other PPE deemed necessary by the CDC.
· Transparency on PPE supply levels in the State’s inventory, along with supply levels and usage cross each health care facility here in Vermont.
You can read our full letter to Governor Scott by clicking here.
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
We must each take immediate action to address the dangerously low PPE supplies. It is our duty as nurses to continue to advocate for the safest practices for our patients and our profession.
OPTION 1:
1) Contact Governor Scott's Office by phone 802 828-3333
2) Leave a voicemail
You can use any of the above requests in your message or simply say “My name is (insert name). My phone number if (insert phone number) I am a nurse at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and we need you to increase our PPE in order to save lives”
OPTION 2:
1) Contact Governor Scott’s office by email, simply click here.
You can use any of the above requests in your message or simply say “My name is (insert name). My phone number if (insert phone number) I am a nurse at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and we need you to increase our PPE in order to save lives”
Together, we can make a difference.