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[Page S4897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COVID-19 HEROES
Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleagues in honoring
those who have helped their communities to overcome challenges during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are many everyday heroes who deserve recognition. We have seen
the efforts of our first responders, law enforcement, teachers, postal
and delivery employees, and store workers, among others, who have
continued providing essential services in spite of the challenges
brought on by the coronavirus.
As the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee, I have spoken many times about the critically important
work of our farmers and our ranchers.
I see I am joined here on the floor by our Agriculture Committee
chairman. I know he has been down here as well pointing out how our
farmers and ranchers are continuing to provide food, fuel, and fiber
for our Nation even during this pandemic. We are working to help and
support them during this challenging time. Every American benefits
every day from the work of those farmers and ranchers, who provide the
highest quality and lowest cost food supply in the world in tough times
and even in times when we face something like a pandemic.
Today, I would like to recognize the valiant efforts of the
healthcare professionals in my State and across this country and
highlight some of the work our North Dakotans are doing--doctors,
nurses, and many others working in hospitals and clinics across our
State.
North Dakota's healthcare professionals have been working around the
clock to prevent the spread of this virus and to treat those affected
by COVID-19.
One example is Dr. Chris Pribula, a graduate of the University of
North Dakota Medical School, who worked with a team to set up the COVID
Care Unit at Sanford Hospital in Fargo. He was on duty when the first
COVID patient arrived at the hospital and remained on duty for the next
18 days straight to make sure that staff and patients had everything
they needed.
Over the past several months, I have held a number of roundtables
with healthcare professionals in North Dakota. As we have discussed
issues and challenges, one thing is clear: Our healthcare providers are
diligent and dedicated in their efforts to prepare for and prevent the
spread of coronavirus and to provide patients with the best possible
care.
Another individual highlighted by his colleagues is Dr. Kremens, a
critical care physician at Essentia Health who intubated and managed
multiple critically ill patients at once. Dr. Kremens is a good example
of the many intensive care and emergency department physicians and
nurses who have fought on the frontlines of the pandemic and continue
to do so.
We are grateful for the dedicated service of the many healthcare
professionals in North Dakota and recognize that they and their loved
ones have made many sacrifices during this health emergency.
We worked to provide our health providers with much needed support in
the first three phases of the coronavirus relief legislation. For
example, under the CARES Act, North Dakota rural hospitals and
providers have received $135 million to help with their efforts to
combat COVID-19. As negotiations continue on the next phase of relief,
healthcare remains a top priority.
While our healthcare providers have been working diligently, I would
also like to recognize how members of our communities have stepped up
to help our medical professionals as well.
An example of the community stepping up to meet the challenge during
the pandemic is Proof Artisan Distillers, a small craft distillery in
Fargo, ND. Back in March, Proof Artisan Distillery responded to the
community need. Working with Tharaldson Ethanol in Casselton, ND, they
began producing sanitizer for healthcare, assisted living facilities,
first responders, Tribal and municipal entities, and highway patrols
from four neighboring States.
Proof Artisan Distillery's president, Joel Kath, relayed this story:
During our second day of production, I answered a frantic
call from a supply director of a large memory care group.
They were virtually out of sanitizer and would not be
resupplied through their normal channels for many weeks. The
caller broke down with emotion when I confirmed that we could
easily supply their needs. It's a response I will never
forget, and a constant reminder of the importance of our task
at hand.
Another example from my home State is Infinite Leap, a company
founded by Air Force veteran Mark Rheault that is using technology to
help healthcare providers offer virtual waiting rooms. Infinite Leap's
technology helps eliminate registration lines, reduce congestion in
waiting areas, and decrease patient waiting times. Not only is this
technology being utilized by healthcare providers to help maintain
social distancing, the technology is also helping other industries,
including restaurants and manufacturing plants, to safely reopen.
These are just a few examples of the individuals and organizations
that have stepped up and helped their communities to meet the
challenges during this health emergency.
Again, I thank our healthcare providers for their dedicated effort to
fight this virus. We recognize the challenges they face, and we are
truly grateful for their hard work. They are, in fact, truly everyday
heroes.
With that, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kansas.
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