Congressmen Bilirakis and Cox Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Communities Respond to Covid-19 Crisis
Press Release
Contact:
Summer Robertson 727-232-2921
Congressmen Bilirakis and Cox Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Communities Respond to Covid-19 Crisis
Washington, D.C. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12) and TJ Cox (D-CA21) filed legislation earlier today that would help communities respond to the Covid-19 health crisis. The bill would fund CDC grants to entities throughout the country to raise public awareness about health resources available at local community health centers, including information about testing sites and criteria. The national education campaign would be multilingual and culturally competent based on scientific evidence to enhance knowledge about Covid-19 to every American community.
"Our country's leading medical professionals have told us that a key component of getting America safely back to work is an expansion of testing and tracing of Covid-19 positive individuals. Our legislation will help Americans throughout the country gain a better understanding of the testing services available nearest them and link those in need with vital resources in the community," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Community health centers offer an innovative approach to accessing affordable, quality health care and are an under-utilized resource in communities across our nation. Our legislation is critical to utilizing this resource in a way that helps to provide accurate and updated public health education to Americans during this difficult time.
"During the Covid-19 pandemic, getting accurate, timely information to the public isn't just helpful, it's a matter of life and death. Our institutions have struggled to meet this challenge, so it's vital that we boost our awareness and education efforts, especially before we—when it is safe to do so—reopen our country," said Rep. Cox. "That way we can combat misinformation and stereotypes that endanger lives and slow down this nation's recovery."
To view the text of this legislation, click here.