McCollum Announces Formation of Congressional Global Health Caucus with Briefing on Avian Flu Pandemic

McCollum Announces Formation of Congressional Global Health Caucus with Briefing on Avian Flu Pandemic
Monday, October 17, 2005

With millions of lives lost annually to preventable diseases and the looming threat of an Avian Flu pandemic, Congress must be engaged on global health issues

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), a member of the House International Relations Committee, announces the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Global Health Caucus. The mission of the new caucus is to provide a forum for Members of Congress, congressional staff and the global health community to share information, dialogue and enhance understanding how U.S. leadership can meet the existing and emerging global health challenges facing U.S. citizens and the world.

"The U.S. plays a critical leadership role in global health surveillance, research prevention and treatment. In an interconnected world, it is critical that policy makers be informed and prepared to act against emerging health threats as well as the diseases that continue to kill millions of children and adults around the world," said McCollum.

In addition to McCollum, a former educator, the founding members of the Congressional Global Health Caucus include three physicians, Joe Schwarz, M.D. (R-MI), Vic Snyder (D-AR) and Donna Christian Christensen (D-VI), as well as another former educator, Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD).

"This caucus will offer Members of Congress the opportunity to learn more about global health challenges and strategies from experts in medical research, the private sector and global health organizations," said McCollum

The first Congressional Global Health Caucus briefing will feature a leading national expert on the Avian Flu, Dr. Michael Osterholm, and will explore the human and economic cost and consequences of a possible pandemic. The briefing on the will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2005 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 pm in the Cannon Caucus Room in the Cannon House Office Building and it is open to all members, staff and the media.

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