[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 17 (Monday, January 27, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR A DIVERSE AMERICA ACT
(Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.)
Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, from maternal mortality rates to
inaccurate drug prescriptions to cardiovascular procedures, it is clear
that minority groups experience worse health outcomes in our healthcare
system.
Although structural bias is a factor, the unconscious biases of even
the most well-intentioned healthcare professionals play a role as well.
And we can't let this continue.
In a district as diverse as Florida's 26th District, we must do more
to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, can get
the quality care that they need. That is why I introduced the Medical
Education for a Diverse America Act, along with Representative Porter,
which would provide cultural competency and language training to
medical students and prepare them to better serve minority populations.
This legislation would help not only patients in south Florida, but
all over the country in diverse communities.
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