In a whole-of-government effort, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs have worked very closely together throughout the coronavirus pandemic to bring critical medical supplies to our nation’s heroes. While the supply and demand for personal protective equipment during this crisis is greater than ever before, the federal government has worked with governmental and private sector partners to secure what the VA needs.
In support of our nation’s veterans, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has coordinated shipments of more than 4.3 million various types of respirator masks, 1 million facial/surgical masks, 1.5 million gloves, and 14,000 face shields to VA facilities across the country. An additional 1 million facial/surgical masks are shipping this week.
Additionally, working in close partnership with FEMA, the VA has made 1,500 acute and intensive care hospital beds across the nation available to non-veteran patients, if necessary. VA is helping 38 states, providing support to state Veterans’ homes and private nursing homes.
Additional Information
- DHS Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Coronavirus.gov
- CDC.gov: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- USA.gov: What the U.S. Government is Doing