Statement by American Heart Association President Timothy Ga

 

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Statement by American Heart Association President Timothy Gardner, MD on Congressional approval of economic stimulus measures WASHINGTON, February 16
WASHINGTON, February 16 / PRNewswire-USNewswire / - The following is a statement of the American Heart Association President Timothy Gardner, MD on Congressional Approval of Economic Stimulus Package:

Main provisions of the economic stimulus package is a win-win for the Americans in their struggle to balance the challenges of health care to higher financial charges. Americans suffer from chronic illness are faced with this harsh reality of the economic crisis - see a doctor or buy food and shelter. We are pleased that this bill will reduce some of their financial concerns and provide resources to help prevent and treat heart disease, strokes and other deadly diseases. Several provisions supported by the American Heart Association, will improve the quality of care, including those that advance medical research at the National Institute of Health, promote health information technology to improve health care quality, support state-based prevention programs and allows for the renovation of school facilities to address our nation's epidemic of obesity in children. With more Americans losing their jobs and health benefits because of the economic downturn, we are also encouraged by the fact that the unemployed receive assistance for health-care insurance.

Among the provisions supported by the American Heart Association:

Funding for the National Institutes of Health

$ 10 billion of investment is a deposit on the commitment made by President Obama to double funding for science over the next decade. We thank Senators Harkin and Specter and speakers to recognize that funding for the NIH can help to heal the economy and the disease.

Financing of Health Information Technology

Our health care system broken desperately need the technology and clinical decision-making to prevent medical errors, reduce disparities and improve quality of care. HIT is a cornerstone of health reform and that should help spur the adoption of HIT supplier and address inefficiencies in the system.

Prevention-Wellness Trust

We know that thanks to the effectiveness of prevention efforts, we can greatly reduce the human toll and economic development of cardiovascular disease in this country. We are pleased that the $ 1 billion has been included in the package for immunizations for children and adults, and evidence-based clinical and community strategies to fight against chronic diseases and reduce health care costs .

Stabilization Fund of the state

We are the hope of stabilization funds will be used to renovate school facilities to promote physical activity in local communities. The epidemic of obesity in children should accelerate efforts to renovate obsolete, dangerous, and inadequate facilities in our schools.

COBRA Assistance

Making COBRA coverage more affordable for Americans who lost their jobs will be to fill gaps in care for many of those who need ongoing treatment for chronic diseases. The uninsured with heart disease or stroke are higher and mortality rates are more likely to report previous treatment needed because of cost.

SOURCE American Heart Association

CONTACT: Suzanne Ffolkes the American Heart Association, +1-202-785-7929

Copyright © 2009 PR Newswire WASHINGTON, February 16 / PRNewswire-USNewswire / - The following is a statement of the American Heart Association President Timothy Gardner, MD