State health department requests federal assistance amid record COVID-19 hospitalizations

CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services requested federal assistance for the Charlotte region Friday morning due to record COVID-19 hospitalizations.

In a news release, the NCDHHS said hospitals continue to face staff shortages due to the pandemic and are hoping federal support could help relieve capacity constraints.

“We continue to monitor hospital capacity and staffing needs and have requested resources, including additional nurses from FEMA,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

PAST COVERAGE: Record number of North Carolinians hospitalized with COVID-19, health officials say

The state is acting in partnership with Atrium Health, North Carolina’s largest health provider, with a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response for staffing support.

Atrium Health reported it has tried to stretch its capacity in several ways, including redeploying staff from urgent care and outpatient centers; limiting non-urgent procedures; closing specialty centers; and using additional state-provided flexibilities.

The highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19 is sending record numbers of people to NC hospitals, straining hospital capacity. Hospitals continue to take steps to protect their ability to provide patient care in the face of nationwide COVID-19 related staffing shortages. pic.twitter.com/a0VpgPl75L
— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 21, 2022

NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley outlined the dire situation that hospitals face in a letter to hospital leaders last week. He said despite its best attempts, the health system remains above 95% capacity.

Kinsley also said the vast majority of people hospitalized are unvaccinated. They make up 72% of hospitalizations and 83% of COVID-19-related ICU admissions statewide.

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“While we will continue to pull every lever we can to safeguard hospital care, each North Carolinian can do their part by staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and wearing a well-fitting mask when around other people as we weather this surge,” said Kinsley.

The state has continued to set daily records throughout the month of January, reaching another high Thursday with 4,741 people hospitalized.

>>CLICK HERE to search for an address to learn more about the weekly capacity and admissions data of nearby hospitals.

Gov. Cooper previously issued executive orders waiving regulations so that hospitals and health care providers could have additional capacity to treat COVID-19 patients.

The NCDHHS said everyone ages five and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. The CDC suggests a KN95 or N95 mask to be best protected from the virus.

The NCDHHS said it is in close contact with federal partners and with hospitals across the state to continue assessing needs as the pandemic continues.

Earlier this month, FEMA provided the state with 25 ambulances. They have been deployed to 11 counties and are currently scheduled to remain in North Carolina until Feb. 3.

(WATCH BELOW: FEMA sends help as MEDIC faces COVID-related staff shortages, higher call volume)