Reps. Schakowsky and Burgess Introduce Health Promotion First Act

REPS. SCHAKOWSKY AND BURGESS INTRODUCE HEALTH PROMOTION FIRST ACT

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology, recently introduced the bipartisan Health Promotion FIRST (Funding Integrated with Research Synthesis and Training) Act, H.R. 5835. The bill, which has 11 original cosponsors, would increase planning and funding for health promotion programs that encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced identical legislation in the Senate last year.

"Health promotion is a proven strategy that has helped millions of people live longer by adopting healthy habits,... said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). "I'm proud to join Representative Burgess in introducing legislation that will help educate and motivate people to live longer, healthier lives. Not only will this bill help save lives, it will also save us money by greatly reducing medical costs. Many of the diseases and health conditions that cause premature death can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. This bill will allow us to raise awareness and educate people so they can make healthier choices in life....

"Healthier lives begin with healthier habits," said U.S. Representative Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). "As the Nation's largest employer, the federal government can be a real leader in encouraging more healthful lifestyles and this bill is a critical first step toward that end."

The Health Promotion FIRST Act would provide a strategy to integrate health promotion concepts into all aspects of national policy through strategic planning efforts within each department of the federal government. The funding in this bill would be used to increase the number of Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) and to double the funding for disease prevention and control research. The bill would also expand the Center for Disease Control's efforts to support workplace health promotion and it would boost the health promotion research agenda at the National Institutes of Health.