(Washington, DC, April 27, 2005) — Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen joined Senate Leader Harry Reid and House Leader Nancy Pelosi in a Wednesday morning unveiling of six principles aimed at addressing racial and ethnic health disparities.

The Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, chaired by Christensen has been at the forefront of developing the principles which will be used to draft bicameral legislation that addresses disparities and ensures that every community has appropriate and affordable health care.

In a press initiative entitled “Closing the Health Care Divide” Christensen pointed out that 20 years after groundbreaking research warning of the premature deaths of minority and underserved groups due to lack of adequate health care, the problems were worse than ever before.

“Nowhere are the divisions of race, ethnicity and culture more sharply drawn in this country than in our healthcare system,” said Christensen. “The time is now,” she told the gathering. “Will it be tax cuts for a few people in this country who are doing ‘very well, if you please’ or will it be life and wellness for all Americans?”

The principles which are the foundation of the movement to end health disparities include:

• Expanding the health care safety net
• Diversifying the health care workforce
• Combatting diseases that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities
• Emphasizing prevention and behavioral health
• Promoting the collection and dissemination of data and enhancing medical research
• Providing interpreters and translation services in the delivery of health care.

Congressional Democrats are committed to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care because everyone deserves equal treatment in health care.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said, “ Across America, minorities are less likely to have health insurance and less likely to receive the appropriate care they need,” he said, “We are committed to closing the health care divide.”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said the country has tolerated this national tragedy for too long. “Fortunately our plan will expand health insurance and improve the quality of health care in order to address these inequalities.”

Other speakers at the unveiling included Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Representative Mike Honda, Senator Jon Corzine, Representative Mel Watt, Senator Daniel Akaka, Representative Hilda Solis, Representative Frank Pallone, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator Barack Obama and Representative Madeleine Bordallo.