AHA, AMA, ANA Mark Grim Milestone as U.S. Surpasses 1 Million COVID-19 Deaths

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May 12, 2022

The following statement is attributable to:

American Hospital Association
American Medical Association
American Nurses Association

“Today we mark an incredibly grim and somber milestone as more than 1 million people in the United States have died of COVID-19 during the nearly two and a half years of this pandemic. Our nation’s nurses, physicians, and other dedicated health care professionals and essential workers have been on the front lines from day one, seeing firsthand the devastating impact this virus has had on far too many patients, families and communities. The pandemic has also taken a large toll on the wellbeing of many of our caregivers and put a spotlight on the need to continue to support those who take care of us. “While we have made great progress against the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to the valiant efforts of health care and public health professionals, aided by vaccines and therapeutics, cases are once again on the rise in much of the country. As we have seen over the past few years, this virus and its variants are very unpredictable, and we must remain vigilant and adaptable in the coming months as the country continues to re-open.

“We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones from this disease. In addition, to help protect those who are not yet eligible for vaccination or who are immunocompromised, we urge the public to continue taking evidence-based public health precautions, such as wearing well-fitted, medical grade facemasks when recommended or required. “America’s physicians, nurses, and hospitals and health systems thank you for doing your part to help us protect you.”

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About the American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA advocates on behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners – including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers – and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides insight and education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at www.aha.org.

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.

About the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4.2 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.