American Public Health Association Applauds Health Reform Fund And Other Health Investments In Budget

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 11 May 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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"The American Public Health Association (APHA) joins other leading health organizations in welcoming the investments in health included in President Obama's FY 2010 budget.

"Of particular note is the $635 billion health care reserve fund which will be used to finance health reform and ensure that we all have access to the health services needed to stay healthy.

"APHA is also pleased with the investments aimed at targeting health disparities. This includes funding aimed at improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities and low-income and disadvantaged populations; funding to strengthen and support our nation's health care workforce, especially in underserved communities; funding for a new initiative to improve rural health care; and increased funding to support and expand the provision of health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

"Additionally, APHA welcomes increased funding to keep us safe from pandemic influenza and food-borne illness. The pandemic flu funding builds on the investments we have made in pandemic planning that allowed us to respond effectively to H1N1 and works to keep us safe from future outbreaks. The increased funding for the Food and Drug Administration will help ensure the safety of our food and medicine and increase the number of food inspectors by approximately 20 percent.

"Each of these provisions provides funding to essential public health programs and helps build a strong foundation from which to begin working towards a healthier America. We look forward to working with Congress and the president to further strengthen our investment in health and ensure that our public health system has the support required to be effective."

Source
American Public Health Association

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