As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, millions of Americans, including those living with cystic fibrosis, are facing a devastating decision: place their health or their loved one's health at risk by going to work, or lose their income altogether. Current family and medical leave policies do not go far enough to protect those most vulnerable to the pandemic. We must ensure that the eligibility for the paid family and medical leave program is expanded to include individuals at high risk for adverse complications from COVID-19 and working members of their households.

Today, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sent a letter to congressional leaders, signed by more than 160 patient and consumer organizations, asking them to expand paid family and medical leave for people with chronic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, and working members of their households in the fourth COVID-19 stimulus package.

No one should have to choose between their life and their livelihood. It's time for Congress to take immediate action to protect not only the CF working community, but all Americans living with a chronic illness who may be more at risk of the adverse effects posed by COVID-19.   

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. The CF Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. For more information, visit cff.org.

Media Contact

Ashley Mahoney
Email: amahoney@cff.org  
Phone: 240-200-3754