Each month, LeadingAge shares select emergency preparedness resources from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE). In the latest Medicare Learning Network Connects newsletter, CMS highlighted several ASPR TRACIE resources focused on utility failures (Utility Failures in Healthcare Toolkit, Innovations in Healthcare Surge Capacity Management, and Lessons Learned from the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Fire).  

Noting that CMS does not usually share ASPR TRACIE resources in the MLN Connects newsletter, this change in behavior could indicate an identified gap in emergency preparedness or a renewed focus from CMS. Providers may consider reviewing emergency plans to ensure inclusion of utility failure. Access additional ASPR TRACIE resources for utility failure here

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Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.