Three health care associations have sent a joint letter to the White House to urge outgoing president Donald Trump to cooperate with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team for the sake of saving Americans’ lives, the Washington Post reports.

“We urge your Administration to work closely with the Biden transition team to share all critical information related to COVID-19,” said the letter, signed by Richard J. Pollack, president of the American Hospital Association; James L. Madara, chief executive of the American Medical Association; and Debbie Dawson Hatmaker, acting chief executive of the American Nurses Association.

President-elect Biden said during a media briefing yesterday that Trump’s recalcitrance will end up costing lives.  Biden noted that his transition team and coronavirus need to get updates on government operations so they can step into the office on Day One and make sure functional plans are continued smoothly.

Trump has refused to recognize Biden’s Election Day victory and continually puts up roadblocks to an efficient transition of power.  His General Services Administration chief has declined to provide access to Biden’s staff, as is done during a normal transition.

Representing the people who are on the front lines treating patients, the executives from the professional health care associations to put aside his hurt ego and hatred to allow access for Biden’s team to coronavirus data and plans.

“As providers of care for all Americans, we see the suffering that is occurring in our communities due to COVID-19,” the letter said. “We see families who have lost both parents from COVID-19; we see children suffering from long-term effects due to a COVID-19 infection; and we see minority populations disproportionately suffering from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is from this front line human perspective that we urge you to share critical data and information as soon as possible.”