Hi Lisa,
I unfortunately can't tell you what to watch for - I imagine it differs across states and municipalities, and we are hearing stories piecemeal from the field.
Based on this letter, the impounding stems from a critical misunderstanding where the seizing authority does not recognize behavioral healthcare providers as essential and frontline providers. This letter from the Administration via SAMHSA makes clear that PPE for our providers is legitimate and necessary.
I'm sorry I do not have additional information, but please keep me posted on what you hear from your members.
Thank you,
Frankie
------------------------------
Frankie Berger
Director, State Policy and Advocacy
National Council for Behavioral Health
202-684-3727
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2020 13:08
From: Lisa Henick
Subject: PPE Impounded? SAMHSA Letter to Help.
Frankie,
Can you tell us what to watch for? How will we know if our face mask order has been seized? Have the others received some type of notification that their package(s) have been impounded? What entity is seizing the face masks? Is it a State entity? UPS? My Association Members have waited so long for the face masks, I don't know if they will recognize whether the absence of face masks is due to the fact that the masks just haven't arrived yet OR due to the fact that the masks have been seized. Thanks for any details that will help us stay on top of this.
Many thanks to you and to NCBH!
------------------------------
Lisa Henick
Chief Administrative Officer
Mississippi Association of Community Mental Health Centers
Jackson MS
601-321-2442
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2020 17:02
From: Frankie Berger
Subject: PPE Impounded? SAMHSA Letter to Help.
Hi Association Executives,
We have heard that some members have had their PPE orders impounded.
SAMHSA has issued a letter (attached) from Assistant Secretary McCance-Katz clarifying that the Administration considers PPE ordered for behavioral health providers to be for a legitimate need and purpose.
Of course it is!
Please encourage your members to share this letter with the impounding authority, should their PPE be seized.
Please let me know if you hear of these instances, and please let me know if you have any questions,
Thank you,
Frankie
------------------------------
Frankie Berger
Director, State Policy and Advocacy
National Council for Behavioral Health
202-684-3727
------------------------------