The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Pennsylvania Chapter (PFCD-PA) commends President Barack Obama for his continued commitment to healthcare reform. PFCD-PA, and its partner organizations, strongly agree that the current state of the healthcare system in the United States cannot continue.
PFCD-PA applauds President Obama for highlighting the need for coverage of preventative screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms, but that cannot be the only preventative measure we implement especially in Pennsylvania where we are seeing an increasing elderly population who is more likely to develop one or more chronic diseases. PFCD believes that prevention must be the cornerstone of any healthcare reform legislation, not simply one small component. Prevention brings value and will lead to the cost savings healthcare reform is seeking.
“Healthcare reform must include adequate policies that support prevention and wellness. At the American Liver Foundation - Allegheny Division, we make this commitment every day through education that includes prevention and wellness programs for those with liver disease to teach them to better manage their condition and prevent additional risk factors for other chronic disease,” says Suzanna Masartis, Division Vice President of the American Liver Foundation and PFCD-PA partner.
Healthcare reform is a necessity not only for the health of all Americans but for the health of our economy. However, true healthcare reform cannot be achieved without sound policies that invest in prevention. PFCD-PA and its partner organizations encourage Pennsylvania’s Congressional leaders to support prevention as a key component of healthcare reform legislation.