Earlier this week, the Biden Administration announced that two top officials, Robert Fenton and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, will be leading the federal government’s response to monkeypox. The announcement marks recognition of mounting concern over the rapidly spreading monkeypox virus that has led three states to declare public health emergencies.  

 

On Thursday, August 4, GLMA President Nick Grant, PhD, ABPP, and Interim Executive Director Alex Sheldon, MA, responded with the following statement:

 

“Earlier this week, the Biden Administration took a meaningful step toward the containment of monkeypox by naming FEMA’s Robert Fenton as the White House National Monkeypox Response Coordinator and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis as the White House National Monkeypox Response Deputy Coordinator. GLMA applauds the naming of Fenton and Daskalakis who combined have over four decades of experience in emergency response and public health leadership, including demonstrated expertise in health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

 

“Under their leadership, GLMA is hopeful that a coordinated national response will result in significant advances against the spread of monkeypox, particularly in combating the impacts on the LGBTQ+ community. The team will be tasked with leading the Administration’s strategy and operations to combat the current monkeypox outbreak, including equitably increasing the availability of tests, vaccinations and treatments. 

 

“As the federal response unfolds, GLMA and our members will continue to share resources to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the most up-to-date information and opportunities to advocate for equitable care.”