U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster mental health resources for front-line health providers treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This bipartisan bill would empower local medical facilities to establish or expand programs dedicated to promoting mental wellness among workers on the front lines,” Rep. Katko said. “With healthcare workers sacrificing so much during this crisis to care for our community, we must do more to provide them with the support they deserve.”
Rep. Katko signed on as an original cosponsor of the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act, H.R. 7255, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), which would authorize the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to healthcare providers to establish or expand programs dedicated to promoting mental wellness among their healthcare workers, including contractors, on the front lines of the pandemic, according to a bill summary in the congressional record.
“Reports from across the country have depicted the serious impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the mental health of our nation’s frontline providers,” said Rep. Katko. “Workers have faced critical supply shortages and endured long and stressful hours as they work to treat COVID-19 patients.
“In an effort to ensure these front-line healthcare providers in central New York have access to mental health resources, I’m proud to introduce the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act,” he added.
State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Interim President Dr. Mantosh Dewan said that preserving the safety and wellbeing of healthcare workers is critical during the pandemic. “It’s clear that leaders like Representative Katko and his colleagues understand the enormous toll this pandemic is taking on our team members and their families, and we applaud the congressman’s efforts to help institutions like Upstate ensure our employees receive the support they need,” the doctor said.
H.R. 7255 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.