FEMA Content

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has obligated more than $1 million to Loudoun County, Va., to aid vaccine distribution to combat COVID-19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has obligated more than $227 million to the state agencies in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia for costs related to the COVID-19 vaccine mission.

To ensure the accessibility of healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical facilities should consider allowing caregivers to accompany patients with disabilities to medical visits, while implementing the necessary precautions for social distancing and mask-wearing. Medical centers have also created visual guides to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviors to individuals with autism.

To offer emotional and social support for nursing home and assisted living residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities can set up video conference calls between residents and loved ones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidance documents on ensuring the safety of patients, residents, and staff amid shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and life-sustaining medical equipment.

Jurisdictions can increase the accessibility of COVID-19 testing by offering mobile testing services that allow individuals with disabilities to be tested at home. COVID-19 testing sites can also provide video interpreting services or reserve time slots for populations with access and functional needs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funding for eligible states and non-profit entities to incorporate auxiliary aids and services in COVID-19 related response activities to accommodate individuals with access and functional needs.