The AAMC sent a letter on July 11 to Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) endorsing her Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (S. 1995). The letter noted the decades of underfunding for public health infrastructure and emphasized the importance of providing reliable funding for health departments.
The bill, which Murray reintroduced with 13 Democratic co-sponsors on June 14, would provide funding for state, Tribal, territorial, and local health departments with grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding would be intended to support core public health capabilities including public health assessment, preparedness and response, policy development and support, community partnership development, public communications, accountability, and equity.
The legislation has been endorsed by nearly 100 organizations.
- Washington Highlights