ASM Asks Congress for a High-Level, Comprehensive Review of the SARS-CoV-2 Response
ASM is requesting Congress initiate a high-level, comprehensive review of the SARS-CoV-2 response once the immediate public health emergency subsides. ASM submitted the below letter to the Senate on March 17 and an identical letter to the House of Representatives.
Dear Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairman Blunt and Ranking Member Murray:
°®¶¹´«Ã½ (ASM), one of the largest life science societies, is committed to working with Congress and the Administration to address the pressing needs associated with the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. Many of our members, including those in clinical laboratories, are on the front lines of helping our nation address the unprecedented challenges SARS-CoV-2 has presented to our society, our healthcare system and our economy.
On behalf of ASM’s 30,000 members, we are writing to request that, as soon as the immediate public health emergency subsides, Congress and the Administration initiate a high-level, comprehensive review of the SARS-CoV-2 response through either a federal commission or a qualified, nonpartisan entity such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. This process should also be forward-looking and make cross-cutting recommendations on how the °®¶¹´«Ã½ States can better prepare for future public health emergencies, including funding needs and policy changes. By fully understanding what went well and what did not during this most recent pandemic, we can help thwart, or at the very least minimize, the effects of the next pandemic.
Specifically, such a review should recommend the most effective ways to:
While ASM members in clinical laboratories have the most immediate connection to the current crisis, our members work in several areas that will be critical to a long-term strategy to head off future pandemics. These include those conducting basic biomedical research, those engaged in vaccine development, corporate partners responsible for service delivery as well as laboratory professions.
ASM stands ready to work with you to help improve the systems we have in place today and to develop the solutions that will help address tomorrow’s challenges.
Sincerely,
Stefano Bertuzzi, PhD, MPH
ASM Chief Executive Officer
°®¶¹´«Ã½ is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
Dear Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairman Blunt and Ranking Member Murray:
°®¶¹´«Ã½ (ASM), one of the largest life science societies, is committed to working with Congress and the Administration to address the pressing needs associated with the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. Many of our members, including those in clinical laboratories, are on the front lines of helping our nation address the unprecedented challenges SARS-CoV-2 has presented to our society, our healthcare system and our economy.
On behalf of ASM’s 30,000 members, we are writing to request that, as soon as the immediate public health emergency subsides, Congress and the Administration initiate a high-level, comprehensive review of the SARS-CoV-2 response through either a federal commission or a qualified, nonpartisan entity such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. This process should also be forward-looking and make cross-cutting recommendations on how the °®¶¹´«Ã½ States can better prepare for future public health emergencies, including funding needs and policy changes. By fully understanding what went well and what did not during this most recent pandemic, we can help thwart, or at the very least minimize, the effects of the next pandemic.
Specifically, such a review should recommend the most effective ways to:
- Ensure global collaboration and open lines of communication with our international partners;
- Rapidly scale up laboratory testing capacity in order to get tests to those who need them;
- Ensure a steady supply chain of materials to labs and hospitals to mitigate shortages;
- Clearly and effectively communicate practical, science-based information and guidance to stakeholder entities and to the public; and
- Reduce patient access barriers so that all who need testing can get testing.
While ASM members in clinical laboratories have the most immediate connection to the current crisis, our members work in several areas that will be critical to a long-term strategy to head off future pandemics. These include those conducting basic biomedical research, those engaged in vaccine development, corporate partners responsible for service delivery as well as laboratory professions.
ASM stands ready to work with you to help improve the systems we have in place today and to develop the solutions that will help address tomorrow’s challenges.
Sincerely,
Stefano Bertuzzi, PhD, MPH
ASM Chief Executive Officer
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°®¶¹´«Ã½ is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
