More than 175 public health organizations have sent a letter to the White House and Congress voicing "strong" support for comprehensive healthcare reform.
The organizations, members of Trust for America's Health, said in the Feb. 4 letter that healthcare reform should "emphasize the need to modernize and increase funding for disease prevention, wellness and public health in the United States."
"In recent months, we have inched closer to something that has eluded us for decades – comprehensive health reform," the letter said. "From the prevention, public health and health workforce provisions, to the insurance market reforms, to the expansion of coverage, we believe key elements included in both the House and Senate bills would represent a new direction for America's healthcare and public health systems."
The organizations include the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Schools of Public Health, Community Health Councils, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, National Association of Community Health Centers and National Association of County and City Health Officials.
"As you determine the next steps this nation will take to advance the nation's health, the undersigned organizations urge that as you move forward, you will maintain the comprehensive nature of this reform package and enact legislation that ultimately promotes prevention and wellness, bolsters our healthcare and public health workforce and expands coverage while controlling costs and reforming the insurance industry," the letter said. "Though the path ahead may be uncertain, we urge you to seize this opportunity to make a real difference in the way that this country delivers health."
The letter comes as healthcare reform is at a stalemate on Capitol Hill. President Barack Obama has called for a televised bipartisan meeting on healthcare reform at the White House on Feb. 25.