Equality Caucus Responds to HHS Renewing Public Health Emergency Declaration for MPV (Monkeypox)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed their declaration of MPV as a public health emergency. HHS initially declared MPV as a public health emergency in August.

"The Biden Administration's declaration of MPV as a public health emergency in August was a critical step in prioritizing the health and safety of the American people, and today's renewal will ensure continued support for our efforts to address this outbreak," said Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01). "Thanks to vaccination efforts across the country, the contraction and spread of MPV has decreased significantly. However, MPV continues to spread and is disproportionately impacting people of color. We must bolster support and resources—including by appropriating sufficient funds—to help these communities and end this outbreak."

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

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