Spoke yesterday with the Acting Director of the Strategic National Stockpile to advocate for New Jersey and the critical need for key medical equipment for our healthcare systems, nursing homes, and first responders on the front lines in our state. 1/
I talked about the importance of getting additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators to NJ. I told him about my calls every morning with our local healthcare providers, and their concerns about protecting personnel and expanding intensive care capacity. 2/
I had some good news from the Director: He told me they are focused on how to turn key medical equipment over to the states as quickly as possible. This is vital for New Jersey — we have the second highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 3/
I advocated again for a rigorous implementation of the #DefenseProductionAct. Increased supply chain support from the federal government will help us make sure areas that are at the epicenter of this crisis get the equipment and gear they need. 4/
More federal government support would also help local manufacturers mitigate risk as they look to re-tool their factories to help increase PPE and ventilator production here at home. 5/
My military training taught me that an Army marches on its stomach — that our supply lines are essential to success in the field. We must have a national plan for PPE, and coordinated purchasing, production, and procurement that comes from the federal government. 6/
I will continue to work with stakeholders at all levels of government to help our state and our country. 7/
