Joint Base Lewis-McChord is preparing for a possible lapse in appropriations and shutdown of non-essential services that could occur on Oct. 1. In the event of a government shutdown, many JBLM services will not be available until normal operations resume. Life, health, and safety functions will continue; services in support of deployment or readiness requirements will continue; otherwise, non-essential services will be stopped. Should a shutdown occur, uniformed military personnel would be directed to continue in a normal duty status, and report to work. DoD civilian employees would report to work on Oct. 1 – civilian employees who work in support of excepted activities (life, health, safety, deployment, readiness) will be directed to continue working; civilian employees who perform non-excepted duties will receive an official furlough notice, perform close-down activities, and depart their workspace. Openings & Closures: For Tuesday, Oct. 1, it is recommended that anyone doing business with a particular JBLM agency call that agency first to ensure it is open prior to visiting the base. * Child Care: All JBLM Child Development Centers will be open on Oct. 1. * Commissary: Per Defense Commissary Agency, all stateside commissaries, including Alaska and Hawaii, will be open for a full business day on Oct. 1 to reduce the amount of perishables on-hand before beginning a systematic closure process to account for unsold products and to secure facilities. Commissaries overseas would be open in the event of a government shutdown. * MAMC: Per Madigan Army Medical Center, “During the government shutdown, Madigan Army Medical Center’s priority will be to ensure there is minimal impact on its beneficiaries and health care delivery. “We have identified health care services that must be maintained in order to preserve the safety of those we serve. Consequently, all inpatient and wounded warrior care activities will continue as normal during the government shutdown. “Patients will still be able to schedule medical appointments for most outpatient services, and none of the scheduled appointments will be canceled. The appointment line at 1-800-404-4506 will remain open for beneficiaries to inquire about their appointments and for those in need of urgent “non-emergency” care. Pharmacy services will also remain open at all locations. “Non-emergent elective medical and dental surgeries will be curtailed during the government shutdown. Impacted patients will be notified personally of any changes.”
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:35:09 +0000