Joni Eareckson Tada Joins the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission to ‘Save Lives and Livelihoods’

By Joni and Friends|Published On: April 8, 2020|Categories: Press Release|

Agoura Hills, CA – April 8, 2020:

Joni Eareckson Tada, CEO of Joni and Friends, the leading global ministry sharing hope through hardship to people impacted by disability, has joined the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission. This commission will examine the extraordinary public health crisis facing America and the steps needed to move prudently toward recovery.

Led by Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James, this commission includes top experts and thinkers from government, public health, disaster response and relief, academia and education, business and the faith community.

“When restrictions begin lifting after coronavirus, how will Americans resume their lives in the ‘new normal?’ This pandemic is teaching us a great deal, and we must work right now on plans to help Americans recover, restore and resume their lives. I’m honored to serve on this important commission as I will be able to represent the special challenges of people with disabilities, the medically fragile and the elderly, ” said Tada.

The commission will chart out the path to best navigate our nation through this crisis and to determine when and how to begin to get Americans’ lives “back to normal” again. The commission’s work will consider two primary categories—crisis mitigation as well as recovery and restoration—and answer important questions that will serve as a roadmap to America’s post-pandemic future. The commission will also carefully examine decisions that policymakers are making that significantly impact the scope of this crisis and the duration of social restrictions, economic hardship, recovery, and the potential permanent effects.

Tada continued, “As government agencies and healthcare institutions address the needs of all Americans, I want to be sure they remember the special challenges facing people with disabilities who were hit especially hard by this pandemic. Policymakers need to grasp the unique struggles that the weak and vulnerable have endured this past month, and their special needs in terms of recovery. So, I ask for prayer, not only for the other commissioners, but for me and the Joni and Friends team as we speak into this important process!”

The National Coronavirus Recovery Commission’s initial meeting is scheduled for April 9 with additional videoconferences through the month of April. At the conclusion of the commission’s meetings, the reports from each discussion will be compiled into a final report for the American people and their policymakers.

About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World™, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.