Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing seven public health measures in honor of National Public Health Week – April 7-13. 

“National Public Health Week is a time we can all reflect on quality public health programs and how important they are to our day-to-day life,” McIntyre said.  I am pleased to support these public health measures that will provide for early screening programs for diseases and effective childhood vaccinations, while also ensuring that Americans have access to critical treatment programs.  It is essential that we keep our families healthy!”

The seven public health bills are as follows: 

   Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Act (HR 1198) – to reauthorize through FY 2013 and improve the critical Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, designed to identify and help infants with hearing loss.

   The “Wakefield Act”(HR2464) – to reauthorize and improve the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, which is designed to improve emergency services for children needing trauma or critical care. 

   Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act (HR 1237) – to improve the analysis of tests for cervical cancer by ensuring that health care professionals who read tests for cervical cancer are skilled in today’s medical technology.

   The Safety of Seniors Act (S.845) – to direct HHS to oversee and support education campaigns focused on reducing falls and preventing repeat falls among older Americans.

   Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act (HR 2063) – to provide schools with guidelines on how to create appropriate management and emergency plans for children with food allergies.

   Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act(S. 1858) – to award grants to states to expand screenings of newborn babies for congenital, genetic and metabolic disorders. 

   Traumatic Brain Injury Act (House Amendment to S. 793) – to reauthorize  and improve the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, which gives grants to states to provide treatment and rehabilitation for TBI patients.   

McIntyre is former Co-Chairman of the House Rural Health Care Coalition, and a member of the House Cancer Caucus and the Congressional Caucus on Community Health Centers.