Admiral Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, visited Yale University to address two of the most pressing healthcare issues of the decade: Long Covid and gender-affirming care. During her visit, Levine spoke to the public at the Yale Law School and held a private session with Long Covid patients, Yale doctors, and healthcare providers.
“Long Covid is real,” said Levine, the highest-ranking transgender official in the Biden administration. “We heard from patients who have suffered heart issues, lung issues, issues of fatigue and brain fog, after their Covid-19 infection. And we heard from providers at Yale who are forming a multidisciplinary clinic in order to evaluate and treat these patients.” Levine emphasized the importance of hearing the stories of Long Covid patients and using their experiences to drive policy and research.
At the private session, Levine held discussions with Yale medical professionals and Long Covid patients, and later spoke at Yale Medical School on the topic of LGBTQI+ health and gender-affirming care. Although the event was closed to the press, attendees reported that Levine remained positive and optimistic, despite the difficulties ahead.
Levine also addressed the need for funding to support Long Covid patients and the administration’s efforts to engage Congress on the issue. Despite opposition from anti-vaxxers and Covid-deniers, Levine remains optimistic and pledged to stay positive and to do everything in her power to help families with trans kids.