Dear Lung Cancer Community,

As COVID-19 continues its spread across our communities, we are all aware that our doctors, nurses, and hospitals are managing an unprecedented crisis that has overwhelmed them and impacted our medical supplies and equipment reserves. We know our care teams are doing everything possible to meet these challenges, but we also are aware that media reports have led to an escalating fear among our community that the potential rationing of care may be inevitable.

Today we want to talk about how GO2 for Lung Cancer is tackling this issue. We are responding to your concerns and advocating that our federal and state leaders enforce the existing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability or pre-existing condition when medical care decisions are being made, especially in response to COVID-19. While it may be appropriate for healthcare providers to delay non-essential care, it is against the law to divert life-sustaining treatments from those with disabilities or managing severe chronic diseases.

As background, federal disability rights laws—including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act—broadly protect people with disabilities against discrimination in receiving medical treatment. These laws apply to hospitals experiencing a medical equipment, bed, or staffing shortage as well as state policies concerning how resources should be allocated in the event of such shortages.

With the onset of COVID-19, States are developing “crisis standards of care” to guide care pathways for COVID-19. That is why weighing in with our voice to reach congressional leaders and federal agencies is so urgent. As States establish these new treatment policies, we need to remind them that they cannot violate these laws. No one with a disability or chronic condition should be denied care, receive lower prioritization of care, or denial of or limitation of healthcare resources because of the perception of a lower quality of life.

In addition, GO2 for Lung Cancer also wants to make it crystal clear in this and future federal guidance to States that explicit language about pre-existing, severe chronic disease or individuals with immunosuppressed conditions, in addition to disabilities, be spelled out to give assurance to all affected communities.

Clearly, the central goal of providing care quickly and efficiently must be guided by the fundamental principles of fairness, equality, and compassion that animate our civil rights laws. The lung cancer community, no matter the medical crisis, possess the same dignity and worth as everyone else. GO2 for Lung Cancer will continue to do whatever it takes – no matter what the need – to ensure that together we receive the same respect and considerations as everyone else.

Please send a letter to your Members of Congress today and visit our coronavirus webpage for important updates.

Sincerely,

                 

Bonnie J. Addario                                     Laurie Fenton Ambrose
Co-Founder and Board Chair                   Co-Founder, CEO and President