290,959,019.

As of January 4, 2022, this is the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally, according to the World Health Organization.

To some, this may be just the common cold or flu. To others, this meant losing a loved one, a mother, a husband, a friend. The truth of the matter is, 290,959,019 are not just numbers. These are lives.

We have all seen how an Emerging Infectious Disease (EID) outbreak can drastically affect all aspects of healthcare, including home health and hospice agencies. Serving populations at highest risk for COVID-19 infection, with persons above 65 years old and persons of any age with underlying health conditions, home health, and hospice care agencies have always been the most vulnerable, even before the pandemic. It is only critical that home care and hospice agencies’ infrastructure be strengthened, and that the special qualities and abilities of these health care providers be utilized. As a service performed primarily in individual homes and the community, home care and hospice are essential to preparedness and response efforts.

As we have seen, EID outbreaks can impact the operations and continuity of care for long periods of time. Bringing with us lessons learned during the pandemic, home health, and hospice care agencies should ensure revisions to their existing Emergency Preparedness Plans. Thus, as Good Samaritans and as creators of technology, we have committed to making life-saving solutions available while solving day-to-day industry problems through innovation.

In addition to our Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) Poster, we’ve also developed another poster specific to Emergency Management of COVID-19. This includes the virus’s background, how to protect yourself and others from the virus, and proper waste composition. Because the last thing we want is to become carriers of the virus. Right?