AMA, AHA Mourn Senator Edward Kennedy
by Barbara Kram, Editor | August 26, 2009
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
J. James Rohack, MD, President, AMA, and Rich Umbdenstock, President and CEO, American Hospital Association, expressed their condolences on the death of Senator Kennedy. Their statements follow:
Statement of J. James Rohack, MD
President, AMA
"Today, the American Medical Association joins the nation in mourning the death of Senator Edward Kennedy.
"During his many years in public service, Senator Kennedy was a champion for America's patients - working until the end to make improvements on their behalf. For example, Senator Kennedy was a leading voice in efforts to expand access to health care for children and to secure fair health coverage for the mentally ill.
"Earlier this year, the AMA honored Senator Kennedy with its highest award for government service, which is bestowed on those who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve public health.
"His triumphant and deeply appreciated return to the Senate floor after brain surgery last summer helped Congress preserve seniors' access to care by halting steep Medicare physician payment cuts, demonstrating the depth of his commitment to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.
"No doubt Senator Kennedy's legacy will be burnished by his many contributions to improving America's health system over the years - including his work that helped pave the way for this year's effort to provide affordable, quality health insurance coverage to all Americans."
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Statement of
Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO, American Hospital Association
"Senator Ted Kennedy's respected leadership has impacted many of the great debates of our times. He was always moving forward, with a profound belief that by working together, we could solve challenges both large and small that confront our nation.
"But nowhere has he had more of an impact than on efforts to improve our nation's health care system. A friend to hospitals, patients and communities in Massachusetts and across the country, Senator Kennedy fought to improve health care and expand access and coverage for all. Today, we are on the path to reforming our health care system due in large part to his efforts as a United States senator.
"Despite a devastating illness, Senator Kennedy continued to fight for health care reform. His extensive knowledge of the health care system and the inner workings of Congress, and his ability to build consensus will be greatly missed as discussions continue on how to best improve health care. Our hope is that our country will continue Senator Kennedy's important work and reach the goal of coverage for all."
Statement of J. James Rohack, MD
President, AMA
"Today, the American Medical Association joins the nation in mourning the death of Senator Edward Kennedy.
"During his many years in public service, Senator Kennedy was a champion for America's patients - working until the end to make improvements on their behalf. For example, Senator Kennedy was a leading voice in efforts to expand access to health care for children and to secure fair health coverage for the mentally ill.
"Earlier this year, the AMA honored Senator Kennedy with its highest award for government service, which is bestowed on those who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve public health.
"His triumphant and deeply appreciated return to the Senate floor after brain surgery last summer helped Congress preserve seniors' access to care by halting steep Medicare physician payment cuts, demonstrating the depth of his commitment to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.
"No doubt Senator Kennedy's legacy will be burnished by his many contributions to improving America's health system over the years - including his work that helped pave the way for this year's effort to provide affordable, quality health insurance coverage to all Americans."
**
Statement of
Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO, American Hospital Association
"Senator Ted Kennedy's respected leadership has impacted many of the great debates of our times. He was always moving forward, with a profound belief that by working together, we could solve challenges both large and small that confront our nation.
"But nowhere has he had more of an impact than on efforts to improve our nation's health care system. A friend to hospitals, patients and communities in Massachusetts and across the country, Senator Kennedy fought to improve health care and expand access and coverage for all. Today, we are on the path to reforming our health care system due in large part to his efforts as a United States senator.
"Despite a devastating illness, Senator Kennedy continued to fight for health care reform. His extensive knowledge of the health care system and the inner workings of Congress, and his ability to build consensus will be greatly missed as discussions continue on how to best improve health care. Our hope is that our country will continue Senator Kennedy's important work and reach the goal of coverage for all."
