[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1364-E1365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EDUCATING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND OPTIMIZING WORKFORCE EFFICIENCY AND 
                    READINESS FOR HEALTH ACT OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
2781, the ``EMPOWER for Health Act of 2019.''
  H.R. 2781 reauthorizes funding at the Health Resources and Services 
Administration (HRSA) for health professions workforce, education, and 
training programs.
  This legislation expands efforts to increase diversity, improve 
geriatrics education and training, and grow the pediatric health care 
workforce.
  The legislation also creates a new authorization of $5 million to 
increase workforce diversity in the professions of physical therapy, 
occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology.
  By 2032, the United States may face a shortage of over 100,000 
physicians; If health care access were equitable across race, health 
insurance coverage, and geographic location, we would require almost 
100,000 more physicians today.
  Groups such as the National Black Nurses Association have been 
advocating for a more diverse workforce to ensure access to the highest 
quality of healthcare for persons of color.
  The Kinder Institute at Rice University in Houston has determined 
that the greater Houston area is becoming increasingly diverse.
  The Kinder Institute noted that in 2010, the Houston metropolitan 
area became the nation's most racially/ethnically diverse large 
metropolitan area in the nation.
  While the largest growth has been among Latinos, other racial/ethnic 
groups in the metropolitan region have also either increased or 
remained the same.
  This growth and expanding racial/ethnic diversity can bring social, 
economic and health system challenges that exacerbate disparities.
  Efforts to increase diversity in the work force will lead to more 
respect and understanding, more creativity and innovation, less of a 
language barrier and social challenges, and an overall better patient 
outcome and satisfaction.
  This act will ensure that patients in Harris County and around the 
country have access to skilled physicians and medical professionals--
regardless of where they live.
  By reauthorizing key Title VII funding, it will increase access to 
physicians and other providers in underserved areas, and promote 
training opportunities for physicians to maintain and improve their 
skills.
  I applaud Rep. Schakowsky for introducing this legislation to help to 
better support the health of the citizens of the United States.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
2781 to amend title

[[Page E1365]]

VII of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain programs 
relating to the health professions workforce, and for other purposes.

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