APHA Strongly Supports Congressional Efforts to Finalize Comprehensive Health Reform This Week

'Cover the Uninsured Week' Is the Right Time for Action, Says APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges C. Benjamin in Statement

WASHINGTON, March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The American Public Health Association supports Congress as it seeks to finalize comprehensive health reform legislation this week. The measure before Congress and the plans to strengthen it represent the greatest opportunity our nation has had to improve our health system and strengthen public health. We cannot squander this moment.

"We must expand affordable health insurance coverage to those who are uninsured, provide funding for public health and prevention activities, implement much needed insurance and coverage reforms, strengthen the Medicare system and enhance the health care and public health work force. This measure represents an enormous leap forward for improving and protecting the health of our nation.

"Surveys show the American people want health reform. Making health care affordable, expanding access to care, improving the way insurance works and strengthening health security are common concerns among voters that this bill addresses.

"And this week is Cover the Uninsured Week, which raises awareness of the 46 million Americans, including more than 9 million children, who don't have health insurance. There is no better time for Congress to advance health reform. Cover the Uninsured Week is the right time for action.

"APHA applauds congressional leaders for taking up this critically important effort and urges Congress to get the job done."

For more about APHA, visit www.apha.org.

SOURCE American Public Health Association