Fitzpatrick introduces bipartisan resolution to commemorate healthcare professionals

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on June 4 introduced a bipartisan resolution that would designate March 1 as National Healthcare Professional Appreciation Day in commemoration of the day the first American healthcare professional became infected with COVID-19 while caring for a patient.

“These heroes have gone above and beyond during this pandemic,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said, “and we owe each and every one of them our love, respect and appreciation.”

Rep. Fitzpatrick sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 991 with U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) to state that the U.S. House of Representatives supports the designation of National Healthcare Professional Appreciation Day and acknowledges the heroism and sacrifice of healthcare professionals in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the text of the resolution.

“As a certified EMT and coming from a family of healthcare workers, I see every day the heroism of our frontline healthcare workers,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Since the beginning of this pandemic, our healthcare professionals have put their lives at risk every day to care for patients and save lives. It is fitting that we designate March 1st, commemorating the date that the first American healthcare worker contracted COVID-19 while taking care of a patient, as a national day of appreciation to honor the service and sacrifice of our healthcare heroes.”

The resolution is supported by Dennis Pfleiger, president of St. Luke’s University Health in Quakertown, Pa.; Michael Motte, chief executive officer of Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pa.; Jim Brexler, CEO of Doylestown (Pa.) Health; Dr. Lawrence Brilliant, president of St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown, Pa.; and Dr. Jane Ferry, chief medical officer at Grand View Health in Sellersville, Pa.

H.Res. 991 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.