Haaland Discusses COVID-19 Challenges with Healthcare Workers During Virtual Roundtable
Albuquerque, N.M. – This week, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) hosted a virtual roundtable with local healthcare workers and leaders to discuss solutions that will address the new challenges facing healthcare workers in New Mexico as a result of the pandemic. During the roundtable, Haaland discussed the need to continue to fight for bold legislative changes that will support frontline workers and their families, and the work her office has done to ensure personal protective equipment is available.
“Every community needs the resources to fight this pandemic, yet we have faced shortages and unsafe working conditions. Our frontline workers deserve personal protective equipment and a safe work environment, but also hazard pay to compensate you for your vital roles and the extraordinary risks you accept at the start of each shift,” said Congresswoman Haaland. ”I will always work hard for our healthcare providers and essential workers in Congress. Today’s conversation was vital to understanding the exact needs of our frontline workers so that I can do my best to help them.”
The participants shared the need for telemedicine and access to services in rural communities. Haaland is working to expand broadband internet to all communities, so access to telehealth services are available. The health care workers also reinforced the need for New Mexicans to continue following best practices including wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, physical distancing, and staying home when possible.
“Health Care workers have been hit hard by COVID. The same issues that we expressed concern over at the beginning of the pandemic remain. Lack of PPE, lack of proper supplies to care for patients, workers having to quartine multiple times using their own leave, etc.. As a country we weren't prepared then and relaxing safety rules and failing to protect frontline essential workes doesn't mean that we are prepared now,” said Eleanor Chavez, Executive Director of NUHHCE District 1199NM.
“As a neurologist, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that expanded telehealth services have on patients and their families. As a rural state, it is critical that we continue to fund telehealth so every New Mexican can access the care they need, regardless of where they live. I appreciate Rep. Haaland for taking time to understand the challenges and opportunities to make health care more convenient, safe and affordable in our state,” said Dr. Kunal Kumar.
"As a family physician, I am seeing most of my patients virtually, adapting to a new model of care that minimizes risk to patients. I think that continuing to prioritize support for food, housing and the determinants of health is the best thing we can do for the health of our communities, particularly for the most vulnerable,” said Anthony Fleg, MD/PHD, Family Physician at UNM (Associate Professor), Partnership Director with Native Health Initiative.
“From continued access to health care to ensuring our frontline teams and their families remain safe and healthy, Presbyterian is committed to working on solutions so New Mexico can continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19. We appreciate the work of Rep. Haaland and her team to hear and address these needs collaboratively with health systems and physicians throughout our state. Together, we can continue to make strides in keeping our communities healthy,” said Darren Shafer, D.O., Executive Medical Director, Presbyterian Medical Group.
“We’ve learned that the pandemic response for people without homes cannot be addressed in isolation and are grateful to Congresswoman Haaland’s leadership in recognizing this and championing necessary health care and housing resources first in the CARES Act and ongoing in the HEROES Act. The latter includes every vital thing we would have hoped for: $100 billion in emergency rental assistance; $11.5 billion to prevent and respond to outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness; funding for 100,000 new emergency housing vouchers; and $7.6 billion for Health Centers. With these, we know our communities will have swift and high impact. We urge Congress to pass a new stimulus bill with these key provisions that mitigate COVID-19 now, while guaranteeing health care and an end to homelessness for those who experience it,” said Dr. Sara Doorley, Medical Director, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Haaland has prioritized the needs of essential workers and their families. Haaland is a vocal advocate for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which bolsters the response to the coronavirus outbreak and addresses the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Americans’ personal safety and financial security. In addition Haaland pushed to include home health care workers in future relief bills, and voted for the Heroes Act, which includes hazard pay, funding for testing, and funding for internet connectivity.