HERO is a program established by LECOM Health as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Health LTC Rise program (Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment).

Read the January 10 press release: Wolf Administration Announces New Support for Long-Term Care Facilities

What is HERO?

In addition to supporting the COVID-19 outbreak response in long term care facilities (LTCF), HERO will enhance quality of care and the ability to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, in long term care facilities in Northwest Pennsylvania by:

• Promoting professional development; increasing protective factors in resilience, wellness, and mental health; decreasing stress and risk of burnout among health professionals, and using the evidence-supported, rapid deployment of training, resources and supports to LTCF staff, teams, and leaders.

• Supporting the journey to become age-friendly health systems by aligning infection prevention and control, and emergency preparedness efforts, with best practices.

• Building a sustainable outbreak response operation using available resources in the community and region that can be activated when necessary to mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks.

• HERO Counties Served: Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren

Newest Links

IPC Resources for LTC Rise Teams

“Count to Day 10” PA DOH Sign

CDC Strengthens Recommendations and Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots

Health Worker Burnout — Current Priorities of the U.S. Surgeon General (hhs.gov)

Resources

Facilities should aim to procure resources independently through the commercial market as part of their sustainable outbreak operations. When barriers or limitations exist, testing support, PPE, and staff augmentation remain available. Requests can be made through the following links:

HERO Resiliency Resources E-book

Transmission Interrupted Podcast: Healthcare Professionals Resiliency & Vaccine Hesitancy

Testing Needs Assessment Form

PPE Critical Needs Assessment Form

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Task Force Staffing Support Request

Updated CMS QSO-NH (Rev 3/10/22)

Request Rapid Antigen Tests from the Department of Health

High-quality Masks Available to Americans

LTCF Oral Antiviral Request Form

Oral Antivirals FAQ

Ready, Set, Test: CDC booklet for ensuring facility staff has the basic training necessary to safely and accurately perform testing.

Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing is Important. Get the Right Results | CDC

Bright Side Wellness Newsletter, May 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, June 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, July 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, August 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, September/October 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, November 2022

Brightside Wellness Newsletter, December 2022

How do I participate in the 4Ms and become an Age Friendly Health System?

More information can be found on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement website.

PA Health Alert Network Advisories and Updates

2022 Health Alerts, Advisories & Updates

2021 Health Alerts, Advisories & Updates

Contact HERO

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 814-451-1595

Virtual Office Hours: Chat with Melinda Egli, HERO LTC Rise Nurse, Every Tuesday, 10 AM – 11 AM, and every Thursday, 11 AM – 12 PM. Virtual Office Hours Zoom Link