1094: Long COVID Isn’t Over: Inside Washington State’s Push to Track, Treat, and Destigmatize a Hidden Crisis

Long COVID didn’t end with the pandemic and in some ways, the challenges are just beginning. In this episode, Heather Drummond, Deputy Director of the Center for Access to Whole Person Care for the Washington State Department of Health joins us to discuss the myths, realities, and urgent gaps surrounding Long COVID today.  With an estimated 6.2% of Washington adults affected and over $1.5 billion in associated medical costs, Long COVID remains a complex and often misunderstood condition. Drummond explains why it’s so difficult to diagnose, how symptoms can vary widely across individuals, and why stigma and low awareness continue to prevent patients from getting the care they need.  We also explore Washington State’s innovative response, from building a multi-source surveillance system to expanding provider training, launching public awareness campaigns, and developing clinical decision tools in partnership with the University of Washington.Living With Long COVID: Stories, Science, and Public HealthPast, Present, and Future: Reflections from a Radiation Readiness ProfessionalNow, Next, and Beyond: Understanding the Rural Health Transformation Program | EY - US