The Department of Health and Human Services launched a new division focused on the long-term effects of COVID-19, directing its efforts to combat and respond to the condition.
HHS on Monday unveiled the new Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, which will be led by HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Adm. Rachel Levine.
The unit will oversee the government-wide coordinated response to Long COVID, as well as the implementation of the national research action plan and support services to address the condition.
The establishment of the new office comes two years after the National Institutes of Health began the $1.15 billion RECOVER initiative. The program, which has so far enrolled 24,000 patients, aims to investigate and find prevention and treatment approaches to post-coronavirus complications.
“As our nation continues to make strides in combating COVID-19, it is crucial that we address the impact of Long COVID and provide resources to those in need,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra remarked. “The Official establishment of the Long COVID Coordinating office and the launch of the RECOVER clinical trials solidifies this issue as an ongoing priority,” added Becerra, a Wash100 awardee.