Biden Directs HHS to Coordinate National Research Plan for Long COVID
- April 08, 2022
President Biden ordered April 5 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to coordinate a new government-wide effort to develop and issue an interagency national research action plan for people who continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19, known as long COVID.
The effort is aimed at advancing progress in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of services, supports, and interventions for individuals with long COVID, according to a Presidential Memorandum.
Individuals with long COVID may continue to experience the effects of the virus for weeks or months after their initial illness, including tiredness or fatigue, “brain fog,” shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.
The memo also directs HHS to issue a report cataloguing services and supports across the federal government for people with long COVID, those dealing with a COVID-related loss, and individuals experiencing pandemic-related mental health and substance use issues, a White House fact sheet said. As part of the administration’s efforts to reduce disparities in health care, the report will specifically address the long-term effects of COVID-19 on high-risk communities.