WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, June 4th, 2020, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the bipartisan National Healthcare Professional Appreciation Day Resolution. This resolution would express support for designating March 1st as “National Healthcare Professional Appreciation Day” in commemoration of the day the first American healthcare professional became infected with COVID-19. Our healthcare professionals have put their lives on the line every day, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen them go above and beyond to help their fellow man.
“As a certified EMT and coming from a family of healthcare workers, I see every day the heroism of our frontline healthcare workers. Since the beginning of this pandemic, our healthcare professionals have put their lives at risk every day to care for patients and save lives. It is fitting that we designate March 1st, commemorating the date that the first American healthcare worker contracted COVID-19 while taking care of a patient, as a National day of appreciation to honor the service and sacrifice of our healthcare heroes,” said Fitzpatrick. “These heroes have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, and we owe each and every one of them our love, respect, and appreciation.”
“As the first registered nurse elected to Congress, I am deeply aware of the sacrifices and expertise that healthcare professionals bring to their work, and I honor their selfless, dedicated service during this public health crisis,” said Johnson. “The sacrifices that society has asked of health professionals, their support staff, and their families is immense, and we must respond accordingly with every possible resource for their work. I am proud to lead this resolution with my colleagues Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Lauren Underwood, and John Joyce, all of whom I appreciate - most especially during these times.”
“During this coronavirus outbreak, our nation’s healthcare heroes have risen to the challenge and served our communities selflessly,” said Joyce. “As a doctor serving in Congress, I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to recognize health care workers for their unwavering support of American patients.”
“St. Luke’s University Health Network is proud to support Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s Resolution to designate March 1st as ‘National Healthcare Professional Appreciation Day’. We have always considered healthcare professionals to be our heroes as they deliver round the clock care, work tirelessly to improve community health, and save lives every day,” said Dennis Pfleiger, President of St. Luke’s University Health in Quakertown. “When the Coronavirus impacted our community, these healthcare professionals rose even higher to meet this new challenge with an unwavering dedication to the patients they serve. We could not be more proud of the healthcare professionals at St. Luke’s University Health Network and those serving all over our great country.”
“Before any catastrophic event there are those unknown heroes who spend their lives preparing. In this pandemic those heroes have stepped up to take on risk with no reward,” said Michael Motte, Chief Executive Officer of Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol. “As we now know Heroes aren’t born, they work in healthcare.”
“Healthcare professionals everywhere responded with skill, compassion and courage during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Brexler, Chief Executive Officer of Doylestown Health. “I was privileged to witness these heroic efforts firsthand throughout Doylestown Health, and humbled by the dedication of our healthcare teams to care for patients with a new disease about which we are still learning.”
“St. Mary Medical Center is grateful to Representative Fitzpatrick for his efforts to recognize our health care heroes and their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lawrence Brilliant, MD, CPE, FACEP, President of St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown. “This bill honors those who directly serve on the front-lines of our communities and honors them by furthering our Mission and our duty as healers.”
“In these unprecedented times, my partners at all levels inspire me as we unite to care for patients and their families,” said Jane Ferry, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Grand View Health in Sellersville. “I have had the honor of witnessing first-hand, the kindness and bravery of our staff at Grand View Health. These souls are truly shining lights amidst sadness and loss for so many in our community.”
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