Detroit, MI — Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (13th District, Michigan) was recognized by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) yesterday for her continued leadership and support of key legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring that older adults have access to quality healthcare. She was one of nine U.S. Senators and Representatives to earn an "A+" on the AGS 2008 Congressional Report Card.

“I am honored that the American Geriatrics Society has acknowledged my efforts to ensure that seniors in the 13th Congressional District, across Michigan, and throughout the country have access to the health professionals and services they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “Our seniors helped build our communities and our country. We must celebrate their lives and be a strong force in promoting healthy aging. I will continue working to make sure our seniors have the resources they need to enjoy the balance of their lives with dignity.”

According to the American Geriatrics Society, Congresswoman Kilpatrick earned the highest rating possible for consistently supporting legislation, including the Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008—a bill Kilpatrick introduced—aimed at addressing growing nationwide shortages of geriatricians and other geriatrics healthcare professionals. She was also cited for advocating for increased funding for the National Institute on Aging to support aging research and backing critical legislation that promotes coordinated care for seniors with chronic illnesses.

“With the number of older Americans expected to double—to 70 million—over the next two decades, public leadership aimed at ensuring access to high-quality and cost-effective healthcare for seniors is imperative,” said The American Geriatrics Society President John B. Murphy, MD, professor of medicine and family medicine at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School and Chief Physician Officer at Rhode Island Hospital. “We thank Representative Kilpatrick not only for introducing The Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008, but for consistently supporting legislation essential to the health and wellbeing of older people."

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, nonprofit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life for older people. To review the AGS Congressional Report Card, visit http://www.americangeriatrics.org/policy/ags_congressional_report_card110thcongress.shtml.