May 18, 2001

Health Professions Leaders Hit Capitol Hill

Representatives from 12 health professions groups met with Members of Congress May 16 to promote increased funding for the Title VII and VIII health professions and nursing education programs. James Herman, M.D., director of the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (AHEC), represented the AAMC throughout the day. Dr. Herman, Louis Sullivan, M.D., president, Morehouse School of Medicine, and other participants visited more than 25 Senate and House offices to stress the importance of these programs in increasing the accessibility and quality of health care in this country, particularly to underserved populations.

Sponsored by the Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC), the hill day kicked off with a breakfast briefing for congressional staff. Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) and Del. Donna Christian-Christensen (D-V.I.) expressed their support for the programs in the upcoming appropriations process. Dr. Sullivan discussed how these programs decrease health care disparities.

The programs are proposed for a 60 percent cut in the president's budget. In their visits, hill day participants refuted the administration's rationale for cutting the programs, "a physician shortage no longer exists," by emphasizing that they educate and train providers who remain in health professions shortage areas.

Information: Erica Froyd, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.