NHC Member Resources During COVID-19
05/11/2020
By Theo Smith, Communications Intern
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NHC members are offering support, education, promotion, and services to help people with chronic diseases and disabilities navigate the crisis. The list below is a breakdown of the resources from many of our patient group and nonprofit members.
The Alliance for Aging Research is urging business, schools, and the government to work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. In order to protect older adults, those with pre-existing medical conditions and those who are at high risk of serious illness and death from the virus, the Alliance developed an online resource with up-to-date information and guidance. This informative blog answers common questions about COVID-19 and how older adults and people with chronic conditions may be affected.
The American Cancer Society recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a serious impact on many people, including cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. In order to limit the spread of infection and protect high-risk cancer patients, the American Cancer Society offers online resources with additional information and tips for staying healthy during this crisis can help answer questions about what to do to stay safe.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages everyone to engage in an open and honest dialogue with their friends and loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic to demonstrate compassion and kindness. The Foundation is emphasizing coming together as a community to reduce stigma around mental health issues and embrace resources during this time to practice self-care and reach out to those in isolation, who may be in need of extra support.
The American Heart Association expresses that for people with underlying heart issues, concerns about COVID-19 are serious. Exposure to the virus could exacerbate problems for someone with heart failure or heart disease, and people with heart disease have extra reasons to be alert. It is important to stay home, avoid crowds, and limit contact with others so that the level of virus activity can decrease significantly.
The American Lung Association has provided patients with information about COVID-19 and how patients can protect themselves from coming in contact with infected persons. Since this virus has severe respiratory symptoms, it is important for patients with lung diseases to take precautions and implement strategies to contain the virus. The Association recommends social distancing and working from home in order to limit the spread of coronavirus and flatten the curve.
The Arthritis Foundation is offering patients with the most important information they need to know about COVID-19. Their website features an extensive question and answer section to keep patients and their caregivers informed on the status of the pandemic and how they can protect themselves and their loved ones. They also have a COVID-19 registry where health care providers can enter data about patients infected by coronavirus and help health care professionals support their patients and evaluate risks and threats.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has been updating their website with tips for patients with asthma and allergies to protect themselves from the risk of coronavirus. Their website features recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about wearing masks and information about where to get allergy shots.
Beyond Celiac is providing patients with evidence-based information and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic. Salvatore Alesci, Chief Scientist and Strategy Officer at Beyond Celiac released a series of videos on their website to inform the public on research and information about how patients with celiac are being affected by coronavirus. They are updating their website as information becomes available and offering resources through Facebook Live discussions and Twitter chats.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) wants to ensure critical research and development programs continue during the COVID-19 crisis. BIO created the Coronavirus Hub to connect companies with resources for those that need them. This online resource will allow users to post requests for urgently needed items and announce availability of supplies. This portal will be important in connecting health care professionals to resources during the pandemic.
The COPD Foundation is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and working with medical and scientific experts to ensure that accurate information is shared to the community. The Foundation encourages patients to regularly visit the CDC’s website and check the status of your state’s department of health for local updates and information.
FasterCures and the Milken Institute are currently tracking the development of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. This publicly available document contains information from validated sources about possible treatments, vaccines in development, and research approaches. FasterCures is updating this document as new findings come to light and are developing a pipeline for research, treatments, and vaccines.
Hemophilia Federation of American
The Hemophilia Federation of America is responding to the global COVID-19 outbreak by closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the impact that it can have on the bleeding disorder community. Since the news about the pandemic is rapidly changing, the Federation is publishing the most recent updates and medical information for patients and how they can protect themselves.
The Hydrocephalus Association is providing people living with hydrocephalus with guidance on COVID-19. New peer-reviewed medical literature describing COVID-19 symptoms for patients with neurological conditions have been released and are now informing the public on how to avoid the infection and stay safe. The Association emphasizes on their website that the only way to avoid and defeat COVID-19 is to prevent it from spreading and encourages people to stay home.
The Lupus Foundation of America is offering patients with the most recent COVID-19 news, resources to help people stay both mentally and physically healthy during this uncertain time, information about actions to take to help others, and detailed steps the Foundation is taking to protect the health and availability of hydroxychloroquine for people with lupus. They also have informative videos about the latest updates on the crisis on their website.
The Myositis Association is dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak by updating their website with the latest information on the virus. Their blog features information about how to cope with fear and anxiety during the pandemic, sample advocacy letters to send public officials, and information about how people with autoimmune-related diseases are being affected by COVID-19.
National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions has updated their website with a variety of resources to keep people informed about COVID-19. They have an extensive list of webinars and videos covering topics like information for employers during the pandemic, addressing mental health and wellbeing of patients, how businesses and the government are reacting, and more. The Alliance also has social media toolkits available to spread information about COVID-19 and how to stay healthy.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
The National Kidney Foundation is responding to the COVID-19 crisis by informing patients, their families, and caregivers with recommendations from the CDC to reduce exposure. They have a variety of resources on their website to promote healthy habits and stay in contact with patients during this uncertain time. The Foundation also has important tips about stocking up on kidney-friendly pantry items and dialysis-friendly recipes to cook while at home.
The Sjögren’s Foundation provides patients with information about the health and safety of patients, their families, and the Foundation’s volunteers. They have cancelled or postponed all of their events through May 15 and are providing online access to resources in the meantime. Steven Taylor, the Sjögren’s Foundation’s CEO, recorded video messages that are posted on their website to keep people updated on the Foundation’s work during the pandemic.
Spondylitis Association of America
The Spondylitis Association of America is offering online access to research news on their website. Their resources include tips on how to work from home, the latest information on patient care, and how people with spondylarthrosis are being affected by COVID-19. The Association also posted practical toolkits for COVID-19 that include resources and information about social distancing and how to protect yourself and loved ones from increased exposure to the virus.
- Learn more about NHC Membership.
- Check out our COVID-19 Issue Page to view more resources.
- Follow us on Twitter & Facebook to stay informed on COVID-19 and more.