*** MEDIA ADVISORY***
CONGRESSIONAL TRICAUCUS MEMBERS ON HEALTHCARE REFORM: "COVERAGE IS NOT ENOUGH"
June 5, 2009
(Washington DC) - The Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - will hold a news conference on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 am regarding their priorities for healthcare reform--particularly the need to address racial and ethnic disparities.
The TriCaucus is committed to healthcare reform that expands coverage to all Americans while also reducing the serious health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities.
Among the other elements of healthcare reform members of the TriCaucus have identified as priorities are:
- A public health insurance option that is universal and includes mental and dental health services.
- Strengthening the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Addressing cultural and linguistic concerns such as credentialing for medical translators.
- Healthcare provisions regarding clinical trials must also - whenever possible - include racial and ethnic diversity to find out effects on a broad range of groups.
WHO: Members of the Congressional TriCaucus and healthcare professionals.
- Congressman Michael Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
- Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
- Congresswoman Donna Christensen and Congressman Danny K. Davis, Co-Chair's of the CBC Health and Wellness Taskforce
- Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Chair of the CAPAC Health Taskforce
- Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair of the CHC Health and the Environment Task Force
With special remarks by Dr. Brian Smedley, Vice President and Director, Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
WHAT:Congressional TriCaucus Health Equity News Conference
WHEN: Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: The House Triangle, which is located at the base of the East Capitol steps
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