Evans Introduces Bill to Reduce Health Disparities

Last week, Congressman Dwight Evans (Philadelphia and Montgomery County) introduced the Health Communities Act of 2018, a bill which will help cut down on the amount of health disparities and ensure that research is balanced and more effective.

This bill would require the United States Preventive Services Task Force to base its recommendations on health disparity populations. Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. This inclusion would ensure more accurate research, focus efforts, and improve research outcomes. Essentially, it represents another tool in the toolbox in tackling healthcare disparities.

"Healthcare is one of the most important issues for our country, as seen by the mass rejection of the efforts by the GOP to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Everyone has the right to a healthy life regardless of age, race, gender, or pre-existing conditions. I believe healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege. No one should ever be afraid that taking care of their physical or mental health will cause financial hardship or be inaccessible to them for any reason. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless to ensure adequate healthcare for all. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this important piece of legislation passed," Congressman Evans said.

Congressman Evans has been outspoken advocate in the area of healthcare disparities. Last year he spoke at a town hall sponsored by Temple University Center for Public Health and Law Research on the topic. He has also been working for the Together for West Philadelphia consortium designed to provide positive health outcomes for underserved residents of Philadelphia.

Media Contact:Becca Brukman, 202-225-4001, Becca.Brukman@mail.house.gov