AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, and Chief Public Policy Officer Karen Fisher, JD, issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s full fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget request. The proposal includes critical investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and other public health agencies. The budget proposes significant funding that will support medical research and the health care workforce, address public health crises, and improve health equity:
“The AAMC praises President Biden’s visionary commitment to improving the health of the nation by proposing meaningful, increased investments in medical research, public health, and patient care in his FY22 budget request. We have learned over this past year just how integral the NIH, the CDC, and other federal health and research agencies are to the health and well-being of every individual in our nation.
The president’s bold funding proposal for NIH overall is necessary to make the hope of medical research progress a reality for patients and families. Through ongoing, robust support for the foundational work that NIH funds at academic medical centers and other laboratories across the country, scientists will be able to continue to advance new therapeutics, diagnostics, preventive interventions, and cures. Not only has federal investment in medical research – supported and conducted by NIH over many decades – laid the foundation for the expeditious development of the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, it also is instrumental in combatting daily health threats facing patients, communities, and people everywhere, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and others. In addition to our strong support for a robust increase in NIH’s base funding, we look forward to working with the administration and lawmakers to fulfill the goals of the proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and our shared commitment to innovation and scientific discovery.
We strongly support the president’s proposal to build upon previous legislation to increase access to affordable health care coverage by permanently extending Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies to more people. We also applaud the administration for its commitment to health equity and for recognizing the importance of a strong, diverse, and culturally competent health workforce, including in rural and other underserved communities nationwide. The proposed funding for HRSA’s Title VII and Title VIII workforce diversity, rural health, and community-based training programs will be essential in shaping our health workforce to benefit patients and communities. This support for HRSA, along with the funds included to address social determinants of health across the federal government, will help address current and future health inequities and the evolving needs of patients.
Additionally, we commend the proposal’s landmark investments in public health, preparedness, and health services research programs, including at the CDC, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services. These entities are key tools in promoting our nation’s health security, and after previous chronic underfunding, the AAMC urges lawmakers to ensure strong investment in FY22 and sustained growth thereafter.
The AAMC looks forward to working with the administration and Congress to build upon this proposal to create a healthier future for all.”