AAPM&R will provide consistent updates on our advocacy outreach efforts, the Multi-Disciplinary PASC Collaborative and other relevant information on our Long COVID initiative.
Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez Testifies on the Impact of Long COVID
On Thursday, February 3, Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR, professor and chair of the PM&R department at the University of Texas Health San Antonio and director of the COVID Recovery Clinic at University Health, AAPM&R's PASC Collaborative member and Inclusion and Engagement Committee member, testified before the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee in the hearing on Bridging Health Equity Gaps for People with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions.
Her testimony focused on the impact of Long COVID on people with disabilities and how it is creating a new population of disabilities. She talked about the devastating impact of this condition and the further damage caused by the lack of access to care, particularly multi-disciplinary rehabilitation care. She emphasized AAPM&R's call to action and the important work our PASC Collaborative is doing. Read or watch her full testimony.
Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez was also featured in an article published by Axios discussing Long COVID symptoms and the debilitating impact it is causing on the workforce. Read more.
AAPM&R Submits Comments on the PREVENT Pandemics Act
On February 4, we submitted this letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee's Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act) discussion draft. Our comments focused on the need to prepare for post-viral illness associated with any future pandemic acute illness. If we address Long COVID now, we'll be better prepared to address any future post-viral, long-term illness.
AAPM&R Members Speak at ProjectECHO
Benjamin Abramoff, MD, FAAPMR, Co-Chair of AAPM&R's Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative, presented an overview of PASC as well as the Academy's work during this "Long COVID & Fatigue Illness Recovery Program ECHO" webinar. Alba Azola, MD and John Baratta, MD, MBA, FAAPMR also participated in the Q&A. Listen in.