The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and the safety equipment industry is encouraged by the Biden Administration’s swift action to address pandemic preparedness and personal protection in Executive Orders signed on the President’s first day in office.
“We commend Biden’s immediate action to create a federal Coordinator of COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President to organize the White House in preparing for future pandemic threats,” said ISEA President Charles Johnson.
This new position will also coordinate the Federal Government’s efforts to produce, supply, and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies for the Nation’s COVID-19 response, including through the use of the Defense Production Act.
The processes and material supply chains US PPE manufacturers use are complicated and global. Many US PPE providers participate in cooperative trade agreements established by past administrations to ensure that the quantity, quality and competitive pricing of this vital equipment meets America’s needs. These American companies should still have the opportunity to protect our healthcare workers and other responders.
ISEA is pleased to note the Executive Order on a Sustainable Public Health Supply calls on the Federal Government to “consult with State, local, Tribal and territorial authorities, as well as with other entities critical to assessing the availability of and need for pandemic response supplies.”
With better data on current supply, use, and demand for PPE from government and healthcare providers; manufacturers, distributors, and the government can work cooperatively to send PPE to where it is needed most. This type of approach will have a strikingly positive effect in the very near term.
Johnson added, “ISEA and its members look forward to working with the Administration’s team, offering industry expertise to ensure America’s workforce is better prepared to address safety challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and in future health emergencies.”
