Health Care Initiatives
Health Care Initiatives
The Arc of Pennsylvania is leading efforts to assure that people with disabilities have the information, access, and resources they need to navigate safely through the Covid-19 pandemic and other emergencies. Our focus is on statewide, systemic change so that gaps in health access do not occur, especially in minority and rural communities which experience the highest amount of disparities and inequities.
NEW REPORT!
Recommendations To Reduce COVID-19 Health Differences for People with Disabilities
This report is the second part of our multi-year effort funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the CDC’s National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved to investigate, educate, and report on problems that people with disabilities in Pennsylvania have accessing appropriate information and help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first report published from this project details the challenges that people with disabilities, their family members, and caregivers had receiving health care during the pandemic. This report focuses on solutions and recommendations for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to address these barriers. The report in technical language may be found here.
A brief overview (2 pages) of key recommendations from the report
(Note: The above reports are available in Braille by request. To make a request contact Nancy Shirley at nshirley@thearcpa.org or by calling (717) 234-2621, ext. 106.)
Background
People with disabilities have always experienced health disparities, COVID-19 has shed light on these issues. Our document, “What We Know Now” explores past research on the topic.
Our Current Work
Statewide efforts include investigating, educating, and reporting on challenges and solutions that Pennsylvania’s disability community, and its diverse populations, have in accessing appropriate information and help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tell Your Story
In what ways have you or a loved one been impacted by healthcare access difficulties? This could include, but is not limited to, problems with any healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, dentist, etc.) or insurance or waitlist difficulties.
Findings
We have been listening and learning about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Here is what we know.
Resources
Many organizations nationwide are interested in studying similar issues. We complied a list of reports that give recommendations through their various states and agencies.
Recommendations
As we move through our work, we will share important strategies and recommendations for emergency preparedness that fully considers equity and access for people with disabilities in a pandemic.