For Immediate Release
APHA Applauds Administration for Critical Investment in Public Health
Statement from Georges
C. Benjamin,
MD, FACP, FACEP (E), Executive Director, American Public Health
Association
Washington, D.C., June 18, 2010 –“The American Public Health Association today
commends the Obama administration for dedicating $250 million this fiscal year
toward improving community-based prevention and wellness and strengthening the public
health infrastructure.
“This allocation of funds
from the Prevention and Public Health fund established by the newly enacted
health reform law takes a critical step towards transforming our current ‘sick
care’ system to one focused on disease prevention, health promotion and
wellness and is consistent with the original intent of these funds.
“APHA has long advocated
for a robust public health infrastructure, and we’re pleased to see this long
overdue investment. A strong public health system protects the health of
communities from threats such as the recent outbreaks related to contaminated
food and pandemic flu but also supports preventive health services and wellness
initiatives that improve health outcomes and quality of life.
“This investment is
consistent with the administration and Congress’ commitment to improving public
health and investing in prevention, and we look forward to increasing this
critical investment over time.”
For more about APHA, visit
www.apha.org.
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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. More information is available at www.apha.org.