Issn Print: 1054-0725

Publication Date: 2004/05/01


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Health Disparities Bill Introduced

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Excerpt

Senators Bill Frist (R-TN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Mike DeWine (R-OH) in February introduced the Closing the Health Care Gap Act, legislation designed to reduce and eliminate health disparities for racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations.
“This legislation is the most comprehensive national initiative to address disparities in health care access and quality,” Sen. Frist said. “While we have made great progress in recent years, a health care gap still exists, and there are additional steps we can take to improve, expand, and enhance quality care for all Americans.”
Blacks, Indians, and Alaska Natives have higher death rates, poorer general health, and higher infant mortality rates than other Americans. The Closing the Health Care Gap Act will improve overall quality of care, expand access to care, enhance research opportunities, and foster innovative outreach programs to address health care disparities. It also will strengthen local and national leadership and promote programs to increase the diversity of the nation's health care workforce.
“The gap in the quality and availability of health care is real, but it can be closed with good planning, effective targeting, and adequate funding,” Sen. Landrieu said.
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