Katko Introduces Legislation To Ensure CNY Frontline Providers Have Access To Mental Health Resources During Pandemic

SYRACUSE, NY— U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced the introduction of the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure frontline providers have access to quality mental health resources as they cope with the traumatic impact of treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Katko introduced this measure alongside, U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D, IL-8) and Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24).

In Central New York and across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a mental health crisis for frontline healthcare providers. Many have worked long and stressful hours, faced critical supply shortages, and sacrificed living with their families as they work to treat hundreds of COVID-19 patients. As a result, a recent study found that half of providers working in hospitals with COVID-19 patients experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, and over one-third experienced symptoms of insomnia. To address this, Rep. Katko’s bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available to medical facilities who wish to establish or expand programs dedicated to promoting the mental wellness of workers on the frontlines. In addition, the bill authorizes HHS to commission a comprehensive, multi-year study on healthcare worker mental health and burnout, including an assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

“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. John 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 frontline healthcare providers in Central New York have access to mental health resources, I’m proud to introduce the Coronavirus Health Care Worker Wellness Act. This bipartisan bill would empower local medical facilities to establish or expand programs dedicated to promoting mental wellness among workers on the frontlines. 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.”

“Throughout this crisis, SUNY Upstate Medical University believes preserving the safety and well-being of our health care heroes — including securing their mental and emotional health — is of the utmost importance,” said Interim President of SUNY Upstate Mantosh Dewan, MD. “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.”

Following the report of a New York City emergency room doctor who tragically died by suicide after recovering from COVID-19 and continuing to treat patients, Rep. Katko led a bipartisan effort urging Congressional Leaders to advance legislation to ensure frontline healthcare providers have access to mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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