The pandemic has created multiple crises for health care workers.<\/p>\n
Hospitals are stretched thin \u2014 in beds, but more so in staffing. In Yuma, Ariz., where Gilman works, about half<\/a> of the county’s hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. That level is a “nightmare” scenario for staff, as one health researcher<\/a> recently described it.<\/p>\n Then health workers have to worry about getting sick with COVID-19 themselves. More than 1,400 health care workers have already died, according to one count<\/a> by The Guardian and Kaiser Health News.<\/p>\n And there’s also mental health strain. Researchers expect many of those working now to be at enhanced risk<\/a> of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Physicians are already at higher-than-average risk of suicide, with one analysis<\/a> putting the number at about 300 to 400 dying by suicide per year in the U.S., or about one per day.<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arizona emergency room physician Cleavon Gilman says health care providers are under "unimaginable" emotional strain. https:\/\/t.co\/6c4yeCyTyp<\/a> #USRC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/pawiXYn5z8<\/a><\/p>\n — Top U.S. & World News🗽 (@USRealityCheck) December 17, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n