South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act On the Move

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2021 (H.R. 3771) at the end of May, marking an important step in moving this priority legislation forward.

The ACC has long endorsed and supported the Act sponsored by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC), which would provide research and improvement of cardiovascular health among the South Asian population in the U.S. at a very crucial time. The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives.

In a statement submitted for the record, ACC President Edward T.A. Fry, MD, FACC, highlighted the significant risk of heart attack and death faced by the South Asian community compared with the general population and noted how the legislatiion "rationally addresses this alarming trend by expanding grants for culturally appropriate outreach efforts and research."

U.S. Surgeon General Advisory Addresses Burnout Crisis

Health worker burnout has become a nationwide crisis with long-lasting impacts on workers themselves, along with the patients they care for and the health system overall, according to a new Surgeon General Advisory released this Spring.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 35-54% of nurses and physicians and 45-60% of medical students voiced symptoms of burnout, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Health workers of color, female health workers, health workers in rural and tribal communities among others have reported even greater challenges. According to the advisory, the pandemic has only served to exacerbate the issues.

The Advisory proposes steps to help alleviate the stressors contributing to burnout that include ensuring the safety and well-being of all health workers; removing punitive policies for workers seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment; emphasizing the value of social connection and community in the workplace; reducing the burden of tedious administrative tasks; and more.

"COVID-19 has been a uniquely traumatic experience for the health workforce and for their families, pushing them past their breaking point," said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. "Now, we owe them a debt of gratitude and action. And if we fail to act, we will place our nation's health at risk."

Click here to access the Advisory and visit ACC.org/ClinicianWellBeing for burnout-related clinician tools and resources.