Joining Sanders on the legislation are Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
“For far too long, millions of Americans suffering from long COVID have had their symptoms dismissed or ignored – by the medical community, by the media, and by Congress,” said Sanders.“That is unacceptable and has got to change. The legislation that we have introduced finally recognizes that long COVID is a public health emergency and provides an historic investment into research, development, and education needed to counter the effects of this terrible disease. Congress must act now to ensure treatments are developed and made available for Americans struggling with long COVID. Yes. It is time for a Long Covid Moonshot.”
Estimates show that 2 to 4 million Americans are out of work due to long COVID. For many, the change in job status can also affect health insurance, further complicating treatment options.
As a constituent, it’s so relaxing that whenever I see my senator’s name in the headlines, it’s because he’s doing or saying something I agree with. I, fortunately, don’t know anyone with long COVID myself, but I’ve seen how it’s absolutely wrecked YouTube STEM educator PhysicsGirl, Dianna Cowern, and if we live in a compassionate society, we should do what we can to help these people.
A good egg like you probably doesn’t need reminding, but check in on the most vulnerable people in your circles. The stigma around COVID contributes to people suffering in silence and falling by the wayside, and it’s crushing when the world moves on without us.