Press Release

September 13, 2018
Cardin, Collins Introduce Resolution to Recognize Direct Support Professionals in Health Care

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have introduced a resolution recognizing the incredible work and dedication of direct support professionals. The resolution was introduced as part of the September 9-15 celebration of the daily contributions made by those who provide invaluable health services to the chronically ill, seniors and those living with a disability. With the help of direct support professionals, these individuals can perform daily activities that many people take for granted, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and leaving the house. Direct support professionals are dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals with complex health conditions and work to help them participate in their communities to the fullest extent possible.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have millions of service-oriented individuals who are willing to rise to the task of becoming a direct support professional,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. “Unfortunately, the job of a direct support professional is not easy. It can be physically laborious, as well as emotionally draining. It is imperative that we work to ensure that these hard-working individuals have the income and emotional support they need and deserve.”

“Direct support professionals play an essential role in our communities by providing those in need with critical support that leads to more independent living and a better quality of life,” said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee. “Our bipartisan resolution ensures that these professionals receive the recognition they deserve.  I thank all direct support professionals for their hard work and dedication.”

In addition to Senators Cardin and Collins, the resolution marking Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week was cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.). 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of direct support professionals is projected to grow by an average of 26 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to a 7 percent average growth rate for all occupations during that period.

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