For Immediate Release
APHA Statement Regarding Nomination of Michael Leavitt as New Health and Human Services Secretary
Statement on HHS secretary nomination from Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, Executive Director
Washington, D.C., December 13, 2004 – “We greet today’s news as an opportunity to reemphasize the importance of addressing public health issues under the direction of the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. We urge the next HHS secretary to face a variety of national health-related challenges, including rising prescription drug costs, the increase in uninsured Americans and health disparities.
“We must continue to strengthen our public health infrastructure as state health departments and agencies across the country experience work force shortages. Our nation’s federal programs should reflect the dedication to ensuring that individuals and families receive the health care they deserve.
“When Mr. Leavitt is confirmed as HHS secretary, we will work diligently with him to improve the health of Americans. The policy decisions he will make will affect millions of people.”
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About APHA
Founded in 1872, the APHA is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association aims to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health providers, educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and health officials at all levels working both within and outside governmental organizations and educational institutions.
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