Letter to the Hon. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States - Meng Leads NYC Delegation in Calling on Trump to Address Shortage of Protective Equipment and Medical Technology

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you to address the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical medical technology in hospitals that are treating COVID-19 patients.

As Members representing New York City, each of us has heard from constituents and hospital administrators in our districts that our hospitals are already strained. For example, an emergency room doctor at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens said they are forced to use equipment that should be used for a single patient over the course of their entire shift. This not only puts already vulnerable healthcare workers at risk, but also risks the recovery of patients as germs can spread from this overused protective gear. Some hospitals are already forced to use one ventilator for multiple patients. New York City hospitals will need thousands of ventilators over the next few weeks, and more tests have been needed for months. These needs are urgent.

We appreciate your announcement this week that you intend to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA), as it will serve a critical need for our city and our nation. Now, we urge you to expedite the development of a sourcing list of needs from mayors and governors, and match them with manufacturers. You mentioned that "hopefully there will be no need" to invoke the DPA, but we assure you -- the need is immediate, and the need is great. We must expedite these contracts today -- so that our frontline healthcare workers can continue to fight COVID-19, and for the safety of everyone.

We look forward to your prompt response on addressing this important issue.