Bill Text: VA SR505 | 2020 | 1st Special Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Commending the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia's hospitals.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-08-19 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR505ER) [SR505 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2020-SR505-Enrolled.html

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 505
Commending the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia's hospitals, and hospital workers.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, August 19, 2020

 

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life throughout the United States, and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia's hospitals, and hospital workers have been on the frontlines of the struggle to protect and defend public health during this unprecedented crisis; and

WHEREAS, between March and August 2020, more than 101,000 people in the Commonwealth tested positive for COVID-19, and while hospitals in Virginia treated and discharged more than 13,000 COVID-19 patients during that period, at least 2,300 Virginians tragically died from the deadly virus in that same period; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), an alliance of 110 hospitals and 26 health delivery systems in the Commonwealth, has played a leading role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic by working with members and stakeholders to ensure coordination and efficient communication during a rapidly evolving crisis; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals have ably adapted to the crisis by addressing workforce challenges, expanding treatment capacity, managing supply chain interruptions, delivering direct care, and pioneering new innovations to meet patients' needs; and

WHEREAS, early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia's hospitals implemented drive-through testing sites to reduce exposure and preserve hospital space for seriously ill patients; many hospitals and health systems developed in-house testing capabilities by April 2020 now conduct more than 20 percent of the Commonwealth's overall testing; and

WHEREAS, to ensure accurate and timely information, Virginia's hospitals partnered with the VHHA to launch an online data dashboard that collects and aggregates vital clinical intelligence from around the Commonwealth to provide up-to-date statistics on the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the VHHA and Virginia's hospitals have consistently worked with long-term care providers to address the lasting effects of the disease and ensure continuity of care for individuals with persistent health challenges unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic or individuals in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment and throughout the crisis have provided partnership and support to long-term care providers; and

WHEREAS, the VHHA and Virginia's hospitals have coordinated with other local, state, and national agencies to prepare for and respond to a wide range of emergency situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unrelated events that place further strain on the health care delivery system in the Commonwealth and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the VHHA has also facilitated collaboration with Virginia's first responders through the Virginia Healthcare Emergency Management Program, which is composed of six regional coalitions that plan and prepare for emergencies and disasters; and

WHEREAS, doctors, nurses, hospital administrative and janitorial staff members, and other health care professionals have taken significant risks and made personal sacrifices to fulfill their duties, including those who have contracted the virus while treating patients and many others who have needed to isolate themselves from family and loved ones to avoid spreading the virus; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's hospitals and health delivery systems have nimbly evaluated and updated emergency protocols, plans, and procedures to ensure that the Commonwealth is well-prepared for potential future waves of infection and hospitalization surges; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia's hospitals, and hospital workers hereby be commended for their outstanding coordination and exceptional service on behalf of all Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia's hospitals, and hospital workers as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for their unyielding commitment to the health and safety of their fellow Virginians and gratitude for their heroic efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

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