The COVID-19 pandemic has had a staggering impact on the health and the economy, from lives lost and long-term illness and disability to disruption in the labor market and supply chains to a mental health crisis and lost instructional time for children and adolescents. Many of these negative outcomes disproportionately affect women, older adults, disabled individuals, and people of color.
The Center for American Progress is committed to supporting continued COVID-19 preparedness and response to proactively protect health in the United States and around the globe. The United States must continue to monitor disease trends; plan and invest in vaccines, tests, and treatments; continue research and development on issues such as long COVID and updated strategies to combat new variants; educate the public on ways to reduce risk; and strengthen the public health system. It must also address the persistent health and economic consequences of COVID-19 through policies such as paid sick leave, access to health care, workplace accommodations and safety standards, and mental health supports. These investments are critical for the United States to respond quickly and protect the nation from further illness, disability, death, and economic disruption.
The United States Must Deliver on Equitable Housing Outcomes for All
Federal investments kept millions of Americans in their homes during the pandemic; in the long term, commitment to bold federal housing policy can eliminate housing insecurity for millions while uplifting historically disadvantaged communities.
Public health plays a key role in keeping us all safe and healthy. This video shows how public health works and calls for investment in the nation’s public health system.
Congress must act now to resolve the nation’s infant and specialty formula crisis by addressing supplies, cost, and accessibility and then take steps to prevent future shortages.
The Title 42 Expulsion Policy Does Nothing To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Issued as a public health measure, there is no statistical evidence that border expulsions under Title 42 result in a lower COVID-19 case rate in the United States.
COUNTERPOINT: Masks remain an essential tool to protect against COVID
Mia Ives-Rublee argues that masks remain a critical preventive measure to avoid future COVID-19 surges and protect those at higher risk of severe illness.
Fact Sheet: Top 10 Ways To Improve Health and Health Equity
To improve health and well-being, policymakers must act to address inequities, infrastructure, and social determinants of health that contribute to poor health.
Policies to strengthen the nation’s health must ensure that individuals and communities are healthy, thriving, and inclusive through long-term, sustained investments.
TANF Must Be Able To Respond Faster and Stronger to Economic Crises
By reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as a strong automatic stabilizer, policymakers can keep millions of Americans out of poverty and counteract recessionary pressures.
Preventing Disruptions to Coverage and Care After the Public Health Emergency
As the conclusion of the national public health emergency looms, state and federal policymakers should improve continuity of care for millions of Medicaid enrollees facing disenrollment and preserve critical access to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
The ARP Grew the Economy, Reduced Poverty, and Eased Financial Hardship for Millions
Data show that in just one year, the 2021 American Rescue Plan eased hardship for millions of Americans and demonstrated the need for further federal investment to build a long-term, equitable economy that works for all.
This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report on the Biden administration’s efforts to advance racial equity through the federal government.
