APHS: Senate needs to move quickly on health reform and reduce death and disability in the US

The American Public Health Association today urged the Senate to move quickly on health reform and advance the measure to conference with the House.

"While it may not include all of our priorities for health reform legislation, the current measure is an extraordinary down payment on long-term reform of our nation's health system," said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. "There are many good things in the Senate bill that will serve as a strong foundation for further improving and protecting public health in the future."

According to APHA, the measure will help reduce death and disability in the United States, and it takes a significant step toward addressing the core principles of reform: reducing cost, improving quality and moving our nation's sick care system to a system that promotes wellness and prevention.

"Once passed by the Senate, we look forward to working with legislators to further improve the bill, including ensuring the most affordable care possible, when it's taken up in conference with the House," said Benjamin.