July 14, 2009
The Honorable George Miller
Committee on Education and Labor
The Honorable Charles Rangel
Committee on Ways and Means
The Honorable Henry A. Waxman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
Dear Chairmen Miller, Rangel, and Waxman:
We are writing in support of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 and its inclusion in the final health reform legislation. As you and your colleagues continue to work on health reform legislation, the undersigned coalitions, groups, and organizations urge you to strengthen the commitment to addressing health inequities and make certain that health and health care disparities reduction and elimination is prioritized.
Health disparities, which exist along the lines not only of race and ethnicity, but also gender, gender identity, disability, geography, sexual orientation, national origin, and socioeconomics, have a direct and detrimental impact on the health care, health outcomes, and thus, well-being of millions of people in our country. We envision health reform legislation that ensures equity and accountability. The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 provides the best opportunity for individuals affected by health disparities to access comprehensive as well as culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and public health services, and to achieve positive health outcomes.
Comprehensive health reform is essential to improving health across the lifespan of populations and communities that suffer from health disparities and barriers to health care and public health services. Therefore, we urge you to include the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 in health reform legislation.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and commitment to eliminating health disparities. We look forward to working with you to secure passage of health reform legislation that includes the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 to ensure that all populations affected by health and health care disparities have access to quality health care and experience optimal health.
We would also like to thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request and offer our assistance in addressing this critical issue. Please contact Daniel E. Dawes, J.D., at (202) 682-5110 or ddawes@apa.org, if you would like any additional information.
Sincerely,