Legislative advocacy needed in the U.S. tomorrow!
Plus, the Long COVID Reader launches on Wednesday!
Two important announcements, folks
Urgent call to action in the U.S. for tomorrow
Long COVID advocacy groups are calling for moonshot funding for LC research and treatment.
This use of moonshot refers to a project or venture that is intended to have deep-reaching or outstanding results after one heavy, consistent, and usually quick push.
The ask for LC is ambitious but not outrageous: $1 billion per year for the next 10 years.
This is especially true considering the current loss of taxpaying revenue the U.S. is missing out on with all of these long haulers disabled and unemployed (like me) or underemployed. According to the Brookings Institution report from 2022, the losses to the U.S. economy total a staggering $170-230 billion.
In addition to the moonshot funding push, there are three pieces of Long COVID related legislation that need to get through Congress: Long COVID Support Act (S. 2560), TREAT Long COVID Act (HR 3258), and Long COVID RECOVERY NOW Act (HR 1114).
Tomorrow is the big push day. For phone numbers and scripts for phone calls, go here: Long Covid Moonshot.
If you’ve never made legislative phone calls before, they’re super easy. You will call and usually speak to an aide of your Congresspeople. Explain why you’re calling and why it’s important to you. Remember: you are a taxpayer, a voter, and a constituent. It is your right to voice concerns to your representatives and it is their job to listen. These calls generally last no more than two minutes. Please take the time to call tomorrow.
The other big news: the Long COVID Reader launches on Wednesday!
A book of essays and reflections by 45 COVID long haulers (including yours truly 👩🏼🦰).
Join us for the online publishing date for the book on Wednesday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. PST! We’ll talk about the book on Instagram Live, and it should be a lot of fun. I’ll be there; hope you’ll join us!
Can’t make that one? Want to hang with us even more? Then join us again: Green Apple Books on the Park book launch: Tuesday, November 21 at 6 p.m. PST
Virtual launch with Green Apple Books on the Park to celebrate the release of The Long COVID Reader. Readings and conversations with Mary Ladd, Andrew David King, Pato Hebert, and Nikki Wallace. This is a holiday week, yet we hope you join us from the comfort of your bed, sofa, or other comfy location!
***Green Apple Event/Zoom registration: https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/virtual-event-long-covid-reader
Here’s how you can get the book:
Check us out on Amazon and Green Apple Books - note your community can request the paperback book at your favorite independent bookstore, as well.
The e-book can be purchased on Amazon, Kobo, and Google Books
Thank you for standing in solidarity with long haulers!
In sickness and in health,
✌🏻 Amy