Alex Azar Addresses Health Policy Conference Attendees, Provides Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update

Hear what U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said to nurse practitioners (NPs) during his address at the 2020 American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) Health Policy Conference.

On March 10, attendees of the 2020 AANP Health Policy Conference in Washington D.C. enjoyed a visit from HHS Secretary Alex Azar, who affirmed his confidence in NPs and provided an important COVID-19 update. "As the United States, and the entire world, confronts the challenge of the novel coronavirus, we are asking more than ever of our health care practitioners — and I have great confidence that all of you will rise to the challenge," Azar said.

The 2020 AANP Health Policy Conference provided a unique opportunity for more than 300 NPs to hear first hand from national health policy leaders. The conference culminated with attendees conducted more than 200 meetings with legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill.

During his address, Azar shared information about what the administration is doing to ensure that the public is informed and the health care system is prepared to meet the increasing need for health care services.

"America's health care system is that much stronger because we have a diverse, flexible health care workforce that includes our 290,000 nurse practitioners. Wherever you work — whether you serve patients at your own practice, in an emergency department, at a community health center or elsewhere — I am grateful for the work all of you have already done to keep Americans safe, and I want to thank you for your dedication in the weeks and months to come."

NPs are encouraged to read Azar's full remarks or to watch this video recording of his address.