Ian Simon, the head of the Long COVID Office at Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released the following statement to coworkers:
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to let you know that the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will be closing as part of the administration’s reorganization coming this week. We are proud of what we have accomplished together in advancing understanding, resources, and support for people living with Long COVID.
Over the last 3+ years, we have built meaningful connections and fruitful collaborations across the federal landscape to support this work. While our office is closing, we hope that the work we have been dedicated to will continue in some form. Updates will be shared as they become available.
Thank you again for your collaboration and commitment.
Best regards,
Ian Simon, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Long COVID Research and Practice
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
et al…
The removal of the Long Covid office is devastating. In a Politico article, Long Covid Office ‘Will Be Closing,’ Trump Administration Announces, a staffer said, “Long COVID impacts every facet of somebody’s life — their ability to go to school, their ability to take care of their children, their ability to go to work and get health care…So it’s not just clinical trials that need to happen. How does somebody who can no longer take care of themselves, and there’s no medical solution yet, how do they live a life?”
#MEAction is angry and saddened by the removal of the Office of Long Covid and we will be taking action. We do not know what the future has in store but we do know that we are taking action to hold our elected officials accountable.
Next week we will be announcing our plans for #MillionsMissing on May 12th. It’s more important than ever that we unite and protect the infrastructure we all need to survive.
This is a sad moment for millions of Americans but do not lose hope. Stay tuned for actions to take this week and for our #MillionsMissing announcement coming soon!
