John,

Congress has now passed two bills that begin to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But neither bill protects health care workers who are on the frontlines of the response.

Nurses across the country are reporting that they are not receiving the proper protective equipment they need to stay safe. And if nurses aren’t protected, patients aren’t protected.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) has introduced the COVID-19 Health Care Worker Protection Act, which would protect frontline health care workers, patients and the public during this crisis. The third round of COVID-19 response legislation is expected to be unveiled in the next 24-48 hours and we need emergency phone calls to Congress to demand that this bill, as written, be included.

TAKE ACTION: Call Congress now and tell them to include critical protections for health care workers in the next round of COVID-19 response legislation.

Call Script:

“Hi, my name is ___________, and I’m a constituent from _(city/town) . I’m calling to ask my representative to demand that H.R. 6139, the COVID-19 Health Care Worker Protection Act, be included in the next COVID-19 response legislation, and to vote YES on the House floor.

It is crucial that we take action to protect frontline health care workers, patients, and the public during this crisis. This bill would direct the federal government to enact an emergency temporary standard so that frontline nurses and other health care workers have the personal protective equipment they need to care for their patients during this pandemic.

If nurses become infected, they won’t be there when our loved ones need them. Protecting our frontline workers is necessary to contain this outbreak. Thank you.”

Right now, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has weakened its guidelines to allow hospitals to put health care workers at risk of exposure. If health care workers don’t wear respirators and other protective equipment it will result in more doctors and nurses who contract the virus needing to be put in 14 days of quarantine. This will take them away from patients’ bedsides, putting an enormous strain on our nation’s health care system.

Social Security Works is fighting to ensure older Americans, people with disabilities and everyone who is at the highest risk of contracting the virus has the resources they need to get through the pandemic safe and healthy. Pitch in to Social Security Works today to demand health care workers receive the support and protections they need.

Thank you,

Alex Lawson
Social Security Works