Urgent Call to Support Health Workers Facing Burnout and Crisis (Full Transcript)

Speaker 1: From the moment we come into this world to the times throughout our lives when we are hurt or sick or need help, health workers are there for us. They are the core of our health care system. It's hard to imagine where we'd be without them. But the truth is they are now struggling with burnout to the point of crisis. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers faced major challenges. 54% of doctors and nurses were already experiencing burnout. With the pandemic, things have gotten worse. Health workers have sacrificed so much during these last few years, sometimes even their own lives. More than 50% of public health workers have reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition, such as depression and anxiety. 8 of 10 health workers have experienced workplace violence. And 66% of nurses have considered resigning. Health workers are leaving their jobs in large numbers. We're looking at a future without enough doctors, nurses, and other critical health workers. That puts our entire health care system at risk. And it makes it harder for patients to get care when they need it, not just for COVID, but for all our health needs. We must take action. Join me in calling for the urgent changes our health workers need to thrive. Health care systems, health insurance companies, and government must prioritize health worker well-being. This means increasing access to mental health services, reducing workplace burdens to prioritize time with patients, and protecting the health and safety of all health workers. We can all help by being kind to our health workers, recognizing the stress that they're under, and by taking care of our health to the best of our ability. Together, let's prioritize the well-being of health workers. It's time for us to take care of those who have always been there for us.