As COVID-19 continues to disrupt healthcare delivery and healthcare services, Lamaze International is working to keep its members updated on the actions the U.S. Government is taking to provide relief to the healthcare community as well as the steps Lamaze is taking to support its members during these times.

Lamaze Is Here for You

Lamaze is developing additional virtual resources and training opportunities so its educators can connect and support each other through these unprecedented times. The Lamaze community is a talented, close-knit, and resilient group of educators, trainers, and parents who are up to challenges, no matter how uncertain. Let’s continue to stay connected, support each other, and keep our community strong. Lamaze is here for its members every step of the way and will keep you updated with guidance, updates, and resources. Check out the Lamaze Childbirth Professionals Facebook page where educators can connect, share stories and tips, and receive updates.

Embracing Virtual Resources

And while in-person instruction is not currently possible, Lamaze education is uniquely critical during these uncertain times. Lamaze already has a robust library of virtual resources for its educators and platforms for facilitating virtual classrooms. As a socially-distanced society eagerly seeks to connect, it is especially important that educators remain accessible and embrace virtual resources.

COVID-19 Emergency Financial-Relief Legislation

Congress is fast-tracking several packages to provide relief and to stimulate the economy. One such effort that the President signed into law on March 18 is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which enables eligible individuals affected by COVID-19 to receive paid leave and food assistance, expand unemployment insurance, and increase funding to state Medicaid programs.

This package stipulates that individuals affected by COVID-19 receive paid leave and food assistance, expanded unemployment insurance options, increased state-Medicaid funding, and coverage for COVID-19 testing. Congress sent this bill for the President’s signature on March 18, 2020.

COVID-19 Stimulus Legislation

The Senate is developing legislation that would provide more flexibility and support to small business, financial assistance to individuals, and assistance to airlines. This package could also provide more flexible options for small business loans (see below).

Small-Business Loan Opportunities

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program  provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help provide economic support during these temporary times of lost revenue. Recipients can use these loans to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that they cannot pay because of COVID-19’s impact. The loan interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75 percent.

Small-business owners in states that have declared emergencies due to COVID-19 may be eligible for these loans. The SBA also offers long-term repayment plans of up to 30 years. The SBA determines terms for these loans on a case-by-case basis.

Congress is considering legislation that would expedite the application process for these loans. Learn more about current offerings and criteria from the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance webpage.  The SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center (1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov) can offer additional guidance and answer specific questions.

Lamaze International will continue to monitor these initiatives and convey opportunities and resources to its members as quickly as possible. Send your questions to info@lamaze.org. Stay healthy and strong—and keep it touch.

About Molly Giammarco

Molly Giammarco has consulted for professional healthcare associations for more than eight years. As Lamaze International’s Senior Manager for Policy & Government Relations, Molly monitors legislation regulations related to maternal and child health, as well as advises the Lamaze Advocacy + Collaboration Committee.

Molly received her undergraduate degree from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and her master’s degree in public policy from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  She currently lives in Washington, D.C.

Published: March 24, 2020

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