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As the Senate heads back to Washington this week, I want to remind Hoosiers that my office remains accessible via phone and email and we are ready to help anyone in need of casework or other assistance. The latest coronavirus response information is available on my webpage at young.senate.gov/coronavirus and Hoosiers can email [email protected] to get in touch with my office.
Establishing 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline
Our country is facing an unprecedented challenge in responding to coronavirus, and many Americans are feeling more alone than ever before. I joined several of my colleagues to push for the creation of a three-digit suicide hotline to help save the lives of vulnerable Americans who are facing mental health emergencies. Suicide does not discriminate between rural and urban areas or by income, and it causes heartbreak and loss in communities in every single one of our states. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent these devastating outcomes from occurring, especially in these trying times as grief and uncertainty encompass our nation. Last week I joined Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and 21 other U.S. Senators in a bipartisan, bicameral push to include S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next coronavirus relief package.
Addressing Shortage Of Doctors and Nurses in the United States
The U.S. Department of Labor has declared that we have a shortage of nurses in the United States and we need the support of trained professionals from other countries. This is especially true in rural parts of our country that are too often overlooked. I have been working to remove unnecessary barriers for nurses to get visas to come to the United States and help us combat coronavirus, the opioid crisis, and other health challenges. The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act will help address our immediate healthcare needs during this unprecedented crisis.
This proposal would recapture 25,000 unused immigrant visas for nurses and 15,000 unused immigrant visas for doctors that Congress has previously authorized and allocate those visas to doctors and nurses who can help in the fight against COVID-19 and will not increase current immigration numbers.
Constituent Spotlight
Throughout this pandemic, Hoosiers have been stepping up to help their neighbors and communities. With so many people struggling to put food on the table, the Boone County FFA Chapter has been providing milk and meat to their local food banks who have seen an increase in demand due to coronavirus. I appreciate these young Hoosiers who are helping feed families in need.
In The News
I’ve been speaking with Hoosiers across the state to get the word out about resources that are available to help stop the spread of coronavirus and help stem the economic impact of the virus. See below for a sampling of coverage.
Social Media Recap
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