On the recordMarch 27, 2020
As the representative of Pennsylvania's Seventh district, just 1\1/2\ hours from New York City, I have a unique perspective on this crisis. The two world-class hospital networks in my community, the Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network, are also the biggest employers in my district. They anxiously await the spread of this disease to our front lines. Across my community, our nurses, lab techs, PAs, physicians, custodial, and cafeteria staff have worked tirelessly to care for every patient. Despite their concern for their own well-being and despite often lacking adequate gear to protect themselves, they put the most vulnerable ahead of themselves. They are the pride of my community. The actions of healthcare workers around the country say to us: We are all in this together. Our response cannot be: Fend for yourself. Now we have to do our part and provide them with enough personal protective equipment and enough ventilators for their patients.
