Physical/Occupational/Speech therapists at the frontline are sacrificing their lives and families in rehabilitating patients who either are actively suffering from COVID or have recovered from COVID after prolonged hospitalization. Rehab plays a major role in getting the patients back to their feet after suffering from this morbid disease. Along with doctors and nurses, therapists are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in the worst affected nation with over 1.32 million cases and over 78,200 deaths to date. Many of them have lost their lives treating covid patients. We know this virus will not magically disappear, and experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci are warning of a second wave this fall.

At this critical juncture in the nation’s battle against COVID-19, USA needs these healthcare professionals to focus on the health and well-being of fellow Americans who are their patients. The therapists play a major role in getting the patients rehabilitated and thus helping the hospitals and nursing homes in successfully discharging the patients to community. Getting the green cards to therapists will help them in their efforts to fight this disease and save American lives.

Therapists MUST be added to the Healthcare resilience workforce act so they can continue to serve the nation with job flexibility and to the area with major need.