The Richmond Times-Dispatch published an op-ed by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7) highlighting the urgent need for supplies to combat COVID-19. Spanberger wrote, “The heartbreaking accounts of the fight to contain and stop the spread of COVID-19 at our community’s long-term care facilities and hospitals demonstrate the commitment of health care workers and facility staff to the patients they serve. But they also highlight the real need on the ground for personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies at our hospitals and our long-term care facilities.”

In addition to the op-ed Rep. Spanberger and Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA-6) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar urging the use of the Defense Production Act to ensure nursing homes receive enough PPE to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Read the full opinion: Our health care workers need protective equipment now (March 30, 2020).