CDC Should Be the Source of Truth for Legislative and Regulatory Action on COVID-19
March 16, 2020-
Statement from Trinity Health President and CEO Mike Slubowski
As individuals, as communities and as a nation, Trinity Health is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human health and on economic health. We see many uncertainties ahead, and we know it won’t be an easy journey over the next several months. However, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Trinity Health remains steadfast in our commitment to deliver essential care that has been a hallmark of our health system for 150 years.
We are making every effort to support a safe environment for employees and patients we serve. We are committed to timely and transparent communications to ensure people have the information they need to protect themselves and help prevent further spreading of the virus. With that in mind, Trinity Health will follow CDC guidelines throughout our planning and response to this pandemic.
During this time of crisis, the health care delivery system requires clear and consistent direction that is guided by respected research, expert panels, and the most up-to-date information. CDC guidelines should always be considered the source of truth for policy advances related to COVID-19. Trinity Health urges all units of federal, state and local government to defer to CDC guidelines when establishing COVID-19 policies.
Trinity Health appreciates the ongoing federal support and looks forward to policy and regulatory assistance with acquiring additional personal protective equipment for staff, expediting testing process, lifting overly cumbersome regulations in the interest of urgent patient care, and subsidies for the enormous costs of ramping up to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients.
About Trinity Health
Trinity Health is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation, serving diverse communities that include more than 30 million people across 22 states. Trinity Health includes 92 hospitals, as well as 106 continuing care locations that include PACE programs, senior living facilities and home care and hospice services. Its continuing care programs provide nearly 2.5 million visits annually. Based in Livonia, Michigan, and with annual operating revenues of $19.3 billion and assets of $27 billion, the organization returns $1.2 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs. Trinity Health employs about 129,000 colleagues, including about 7,500 employed physicians and clinicians. For more information, visit www.trinity-health.org. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter.