Insurer supplies PPE to skilled nursing facilities

California Health & Wellness, a provider of Medi-Cal managed care plans in Imperial County, said Tuesday it is supporting the three local skilled nursing facilities with donations of personal protective equipment.

CHW said in a release that Imperial Manor, in Imperial; Imperial Heights Healthcare & Wellness, in Brawley, and Valley Convalescent Center, in El Centro, will each receive thousands of surgical gowns, three-ply face coverings, latex gloves, medical-grade N95 masks and medical face shields.

“We are pleased to step up and help the health care heroes on the front lines of this pandemic to keep themselves, their patients, and our communities safe,” said Brian Ternan, president and CEO of Health Net and California Health & Wellness. “We are committed to being part of the solution and will continue to be here for the community.”

The county’s skilled nursing facilities can serve approximately 250 patients, CHW said. In addition to the benefit of having adequate supply of PPE for medical professionals, having a 14-day supply of PPE available for skilled nursing facilities is also one of the metrics used as a deciding factor for reopening.

“PPE is critical to protect staff and patients in skilled nursing facilities,” said Dr. Kathleen Lang, CHW vice president for regional operations. “In fact, it’s not uncommon that staff members themselves are older and could be more at-risk than the general population. As a local health plan, we’re quickly identifying needs as they arise here in the valley so that we can continue to help our neighbors and local communities to stay healthy.”