“Minorities in Idaho as well as throughout the nation face significant health challenges,” Crapo said. “Health studies bear out the problems: African-American men suffer from prostate cancer in greater numbers than other groups; Native Americans suffer a disproportionately higher mortality rate from a number of diseases; and Latinos are more likely to contract immunization-preventable communicable diseases. This scholars program focuses on helping provide minority ethnic health care workers with an innovative opportunity for understanding and knowledge. I encourage those who qualify among Idaho’s Tribes, and Latino and African-American communities to review this information and take advantage of this opportunity.”

During the nine-week program, which runs from May 23 through July 28, 2006, scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues. They will be placed in congressional offices and participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues. Transportation to and from DC, lodging during the internship, daily expenses and a stipend are available to successful applicants.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. They must be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities and have experience working in or with programs that address such health disparities. For additional information, please visit http://www.kff.org/about/jordanscholars.cfm on the Internet. All application materials are available on-line.

FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://src.senate.gov/radio/.