The following statement is attributable to:
Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
“The American Medical Association commends Congress for passing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. We mourn Dr. Breen and take solace that her death prompted a desperately needed effort to focus on the mental health of physicians.
“During the pandemic, the AMA helped develop several different pieces of legislation focused on identifying burnout and promoting the mental health needs of physicians. The legislation passed today will establish a public awareness campaign to encourage physicians to care for their mental health and authorize grants to establish evidence-based programs dedicated to improving mental health and resiliency for health care professionals.
“These issues have always been present in medicine, and the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed them to the forefront. The AMA is grateful the Breen family advocated for this legislation, and that Congress listened. It is a fitting legacy for Dr. Breen.”
Editor’s note: The following studies offer context to the Dr. Lorna Breen Act:
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(21)00170-1/fulltext
https://www.mcpiqojournal.org/article/S2542-4548(21)00005-9/fulltext
Media Contact
About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
