Press Releases

Miami, FL – Congresswoman Wilson plans to send a letter to State Surgeon General

Scott A Rivkees and Governor Ron DeSantis seeking information related to ensuring safe access to dialysis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk that COVID-19 poses to Floridians with kidney disease.

Forty thousand Floridians are living with end-stage renal disease and are at heightened risk for severe illness from COVID-19 because of their weakened immune systems. Many of these patients also require weekly dialysis treatment for which they must leave their homes.

"The manufacture of new dialysis machines is an arduous process and states are struggling to secure life-saving equipment and supplies like ventilators and personal protective equipment," reads a draft of the letter. "We urge you to protect vulnerable Floridians with chronic kidney disease and those who may develop kidney problems resulting from COVID-19 by ensuring a sufficient stockpile of dialysis machines and related supplies."

"Medically vulnerable Floridians, including those with kidney disease, are counting on Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health to step up and work with health-care providers so that they can continue to receive life-saving treatment," said Rep. Wilson.

The letter, which is slated to be sent to Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Scott Rivkees on Friday, May 1, requests information about the rate of infections and deaths among people on dialysis, what is being done to track the availability of machines and supplies required for dialysis, and what steps Florida has taken to acquire more machines and fluid required to dialyze patients.

For a draft of the full letter, click here.