64: Disability and Crisis Standards of Care in the Age of COVID-19

Public Health Review

As Omicron leads to nation-wide COVID-19 surges, many jurisdictions face the decision to activate crisis standards of care, a decision-making guide that helps healthcare providers give the best care during situations where resources are scarce. These guidelines focus on care for groups of people rather than individuals and are steered by ethical principles to avoid discrimination. Crisis standards of care can be especially impactful for people living with disabilities who may require access to certain resources, such as ventilators, as part of their routine medical care.

In this episode, Katey Redmond (former Disability and Preparedness Specialist, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services) and Dr. Alexis Travis (State Health Officer, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services) speak about disability inclusion in crisis standards of care and share advice on how to build partnerships with the disability community.

Guests

• Alexis Travis, PhD, State Health Officer, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Katey Redmond, MPH, CPH, Public Health Specialist II, Former Alaska Disability and Preparedness Specialist

Resources

• ASTHO Experts Infographic: 10 Essential Questions on Disability Inclusion (Available in English and Spanish)
• ASTHO Experts Blog: Embedded: One Year Review of Disability and Preparedness Specialists
• ASTHO Experts Video: Partnerships with Disability Organizations
• ASTHO Experts Podcast: Protecting the Vulnerable: How Public Health Can Better Serve People with Disabilities