Washington, D.C., July 11, 2006 – The American Public Health Association (APHA) today announced its support of the Campaign for Children’s Health Care, an effort to increase awareness of the 9 million uninsured children and millions more that are underinsured in the United States and to make coverage for all children a national priority.
Launched today, the Campaign for Children’s Health Care will coordinate public education efforts across the country to demonstrate the importance of health insurance for children and families and to show why national action is needed to expand coverage for children.
“All Americans deserve comprehensive health coverage, especially our children who are particularly vulnerable,” said Georges Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the American Public Health Association. “By guaranteeing access to affordable, quality care and preventive health services for all children, we can substantially improve their development, long-term health status and academic performance while reducing the widening gap in health outcomes, particularly among communities of color. We are pleased to join this vital effort.”