Dear Alaskans,
As we continue working as a nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent infection, and develop treatments, I wanted to update you on our work in Congress on this very important issue. I hope you will share these very updates with your family, friends, and others in your community. Discussions about future COVID-19 legislation continue. I encourage you to stay engaged and let me know what you’d like to see in future bills. As always, click here to contact me. Stay safe, Alaska!
Supporting Rural Hospitals
Alaska is the biggest state in the Union, and our rural hospitals have been a lifeline to many communities in the most remote areas of our state. More than ever, they’re feeling the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I recently introduced legislation to help provide financial certainty and a sense of stability to rural health care providers across our state and nation. Click here to read more about this very important effort.
Safe Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Safe, clean water and sanitary sewer infrastructure are essential to protecting public health, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, too many of our Native villages possess sewage systems that are aging, in various states of disrepair, or still rely on unsafe systems like honey buckets. Inadequate water infrastructure puts Alaskan families at needless risk. I recently introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Tom O'Halleran to allocate funding to construct and improve critical sanitation projects in Alaska’s Native communities and Native communities around the country. To learn more, click here.
Promoting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed all of our lives. Social distancing is an important method to prevent transmission, but far too often, the feeling of social isolation and additional stress from the pandemic can affect mental health. This pandemic is causing emotional trauma, and we should be doing all that we can to ensure both mental and physical well-being in our communities. I cosponsored the Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act to help get mental health resources into the hands of the health care providers and individuals who need them most. We all recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy mind during this difficult time, and I will continue working to ensure that our families, front line workers, those currently in recovery, and others impacted by COVID-19 can overcome mental health challenges and get through this pandemic. Click here to read more.
PPE Availability Update
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to protecting front line workers and stopping the spread of COVID-19. My focus continues to be on ensuring the federal response to this pandemic can meet this critical moment. Here’s a recent update on the PPE made available in our state:
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
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