Bill named in memory of Lorna Breen, doctor who died by suicide on frontline of pandemic, passes Congress

Almost two years since Lorna Breen died by suicide after becoming overwhelmed working on the front lines of the pandemic, a bill named in her memory to boost mental health resources for health-care workers is headed to the president’s desk.

Breen’s family in Virginia had spent months advocating for strengthening federal resources to fight burnout, prevent suicide and raise awareness about depression and other mental health issues among overburdened health-care workers who have had little relief during wave after wave of the pandemic. On Thursday night, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act — championed by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) — passed the Senate on a voice vote.