ALBANY – Thousands of retired healthcare professionals have answered Governor Cuomo’s call to volunteer as the coronavirus pandemic continues and the situation in New York is expected to get worse.
He praised the retired doctors, RNs, LPNs, therapists and all others in medical professions for stepping forward to replace current medical professionals who come down with the virus themselves.
“God bless them, 40,000 people have signed up as a surge healthcare force; 2,000 physicians, anesthesiologists, emergency room technicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory,; 40,000 people signed up because that is a big deal,” he said. “You can create beds, you can find equipment, but you have to find the staff.”
The governor also announced that 6,000 mental health professionals have answered his call to provide free telephone consultations for anyone who feels they need it because of a job loss and financial troubles as a result of the actions taken to fight the virus.
The number to call to speak with a mental health professional is 844-863-9314.
Cuomo said acquiring a sufficient number of ventilators remains the most critical issue. Currently, New York hospitals have 4,000 devices, the state has purchased 7,000 and the federal government will be providing 4,000. Securing the balance of the 30,000 New York is projecting to need in the next several weeks remains a challenge, the governor said.
