A Florida ER doctor broke down the demands of healthcare workers who rallying in DC for the ‘Healthcare is Human Act.’ They will also sit down with six lawmakers to discuss three prioritized issues: safety concerns, mental health, and tax credits.
Healthcare workers even held a rally on the morning of May 21, where they had an assortment of medical experts as speakers. One of which was a “special guest star who may be involved in one of our favorite medical dramas.” This was revealed to be ‘The Pitt’ actor Noah Wyle. The Florida doctor has broken down the various demands in a video that has received nearly 90,000 views and nearly 13,000 likes since posting.
In the TikTok video, she explains how “this whole healthcare workers are heroes has really backfired.” By this, she is referring to how heroes are often seen as the helpers, and not as those in need of help. However, she can’t think of a single healthcare worker who isn’t struggling. She describes the current medical landscape as a “conglomeration of issues” which includes violence in the workplace and chronic misinformation. The Florida doctor states, “Administration [is] throwing pizza parties instead of actually valuing our work.”
The healthcare worker has plans to meet with six lawmakers, and her priority right now is to get across that “we’re struggling.” She says that as the helpers, they put everyone’s issues above their own. The Florida doctor says, “We need help. We need them to see us.” The three main demands are: tax credits to qualifying workers, promoting mental health and well-being by funding the Lorna Breen Act, and keeping people safe in the workplace. The latter specifically includes “if someone brings up a legitimate safety concern, they can’t be retaliated against.”
Many Feel Validated By Florida Doctor
Some are praising her for bringing awareness to the Healthcare is Human Act. One says, “I locked in for this video, because that’s how much awareness needs to be raised for HCW.” Several healthcare workers have posted in the comments of the video, sharing solidarity in the struggles they’re going through. One says, “I’ve struggled and the mental strain is pretty bad.” Another brings up the lack of appreciation, saying, “As a resident…. on doctors day… We got popcorn. Small bags.”
Others want her to remember those that have often been left out of healthcare conversations. One commenter reminds her, “Please recognize the CNA’s that help you every single day for a fraction of a nurse.” Another says, “EMS has been drowning for years and we don’t even get classified as healthcare.” Meanwhile, a mental health therapist comments, “At least you get a pizza party, we don’t even get a ‘good job’ or a pat on the back.”
The Florida doctor is expected to post an update after meeting with lawmakers.
