NCC Sends Letter to U.S. Congress Outlining COVID-19 Priorities
Fifty-seven organizations representing the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), including ONS, sent a letter (https://131a058d-9186-c34a-b6f8-7f4cb1fce3f0.filesusr.com/ugd/148923_55759da9fa3e427b83867695094fc22f.pdf) to the U.S. Congress acknowledging the federal government’s extraordinary attempts to bolster the economy and promote public health during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In the April 28, 2020, letter, NCC provided recommendations that could be used to further combat the coronavirus, adding that the 57 national nursing organizations are available as expert resources.
NCC’s recommendations called for:
- Increased funding for Title VIII nursing workforce development programs
- Protecting and supporting nurses and APRNs on the front lines
- Strengthening investments in public health
- Supporting nursing associations and professional organizations
- Investing in nursing research at the National Institute of Nursing Research (https://www.ons.org/podcasts/episode-106-ninr-director-discusses-nursing-research-amid-covid-19)
“We urge Congress to include these shared priorities in any future COVID-19 package and as you work to continue to support the nursing workforce,” NCC wrote. “Again, we thank you for your efforts to combat the novel coronavirus through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (https://voice.ons.org/advocacy/title-viii-nursing-workforce-funding-included-in-cares-act) and look forward to working with you on any future legislative packages.”