Bravery, resilience, and how you can make a difference

The pandemic has presented health care workers with unprecedented challenges. Health care providers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe while living with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and exposing their loved ones to the disease. On behalf of our community, I express my sincere thanks.

We must support health care workers with adequate personal protective equipment, emergency child care resources and paid sick leave. Sign the petition and urge lawmakers to support these policies.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, like N95 respirator masks, face shields and basic masks are critical for health care workers. PPE is running low nationwide — putting health care workers at risk. Governor Jay Inslee, the Washington state congressional delegation and the state Department of Health are all working to get PPE into the state.

As schools and child care centers close and extended families are told to socially distance, health care workers are left without reliable child care. Emergency child care is essential.

The already significant public health risks associated with a lack of paid sick leave are multiplied during a pandemic. Just like folks in any other field, health care workers cannot afford to lose pay when they need to stay home because they are sick.

The bravery and resilience of health care professionals is inspiring.

Rick