We’ve heard from a lot of friends who weren’t able to catch the Tele-Town Hall last Tuesday. It was a great conversation, so for those who missed it or would like to go back and listen, we have made the audio available for download. For the full recording please click [here].
Thank you again to Dr. Julie Philley for her informative, reassuring, and calming presentation.
Press Release: Donation of Anti-Malarial Drug to Texas Important Victory in War Against COVID-19
State Senator Bryan Hughes
Senate District One
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matthew Murdoch
(512) 463-0101
March 26, 2020
DONATION OF ANTI-MALARIAL DRUG TO TEXAS
IMPORTANT VICTORY IN WAR AGAINST COVID-19
TYLER -- Amneal Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest U.S.-based generics manufacturers, is donating 1,000,000 hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets to the State of Texas for potential use in treating COVID-19 patients. The Texas State Pharmacy will distribute the tablets directly to hospitals around the state.
"Amneal Pharmaceuticals' donation is a major step forward in the fight against COVID-19," said Senator Bryan Hughes, Chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee. "In trying times like these, Americans come together and put others ahead of themselves. Amneal's donation is a shining example of this generosity, and it reminds us how blessed we are to be Americans."
Senator Hughes added, "I also want to thank Nim Kidd, Chief of Texas Emergency Management, Phil Wilson, Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services, and other state officials instrumental in facilitating this donation."
“This is a crucial time in the global fight against COVID-19,” said Chirag and Chintu Patel, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Amneal. “With an existing supply of hydroxychloroquine sulfate and our ability to quickly accelerate production, we are humbled to be able to assist the hardest hit states and hospitals around the country to benefit as many patients as possible.”
Amneal also is donating 2,000,000 tablets of 200mg hydroxychloroquine sulfate to New York, and will provide more as needed. The company is donating and providing products directly to hospitals across the country as well.
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate was first synthesized in 1946 and is in a class of medications historically used to treat and prevent malaria. Today, Amneal’s hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, childhood arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Hydroxychloroquine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of COVID-19. It has been identified as a possible treatment for COVID-19 (see https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/Table_of_therapeutics_Appendix_17022020.pdf?ua=1), however, and the U.S. government has requested its immediate availability.
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Don't be discouraged
We're all dealing with new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 virus. These days, there are more questions than answers, and it's easy for us to get discouraged.
My team and I have been trying to sift through everything and to pass along as much good information as we can. We're on calls with the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the White House, the CDC, state public health and emergency management leaders, and others. We pick up information to share with you, and more importantly, we inform the state and national leaders about what we're hearing from you: the questions folks have shared with us and the solutions they're coming up with.
Much of our time is spent matching up needs and solutions, and we know that our team is just a small part of the overall effort.
So, be encouraged. This virus is real and the threat is serious, but there is no need to panic.
From our first responders and health care workers to our teachers and business owners and ordinary folks all across Texas and America, people are going out of their way to help.
The experts tell us that the Number One way we can prevent the spread of this virus is to practice social distancing. If we do that, encourage each other, and call and check on our friends and neighbors, we can know that each of us is contributing to defeating this virus.
Meanwhile, there is intensive research and testing for treatments -- some are already very promising and could be available soon. Like World War II when companies went from making refrigerators to machine guns and from cars to tanks, American manufacturers are retooling almost overnight to make the medical supplies and other essential products that we need for this fight. We're already seeing the results.
You've probably noticed that many store shelves are emptying during the day. But each night, they're replenished as dedicated people work overtime to deliver and to restock the things we need.
These are just a few of the ways that Texas and America are coming together and fighting back.
We'll continue to post helpful information on social media, and you'll find all those link at the bottom of this email. Of course, you can always call us (512.463.0101) or email us (bryan.hughes@senate.texas.gov) if you have questions or if there is anything we can be helping you with.
Here is a link to an interview I did with Channel 7 on Monday morning. It's an overview of where we are in Texas, and how we're doing in this fight.
So again, please let us know if you have any questions or if we may be of any help to you at all. If we can't help, we'll try and find someone who can.
It is my honor to represent you in the Texas Senate. We have an excellent team of smart and dedicated people who are working overtime to help get us through this, and we are all at your service.
Texas has faced bigger challenges before. By God's mercy, as we work together, help each other, and follow the social distancing guidelines, we will get through this.
Here is the KLTV interview we did Monday.
Congress
The encouragement I’ve received to run for Congressman Hensarling’s seat has been moving. This is a rare opportunity, and I’m honored that so many whom I trust and respect have offered their support.
After much prayer and consultation with family and friends and supporters, I am confident that I can best serve in the Texas Senate. Texas is setting the pace for America and the world, and our Texas Senate is at the vanguard of the battles to grow jobs, balance budgets, expand individual liberty, and protect innocent human life. Now is not the time for me to leave.