    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8579--OCT. 6, 2010

    Proclamation 8579 of October 6, 2010
    National Physician Assistants Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    In communities across our Nation, physician assistants serve tirelessly
    everyday to care for Americans and fulfill a critical function in our
    health care system. They provide important medical attention and

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    treatment to patients and their loved ones, and can be the principal
    care provider in rural or inner-city clinics, and other settings with
    provider shortages. During National Physician Assistants Week, we honor
    these dedicated medical professionals and their essential role in
    providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services
    to millions of American men, women, and children.
    With compassion matched by professionalism, physician assistants work as
    part of a team to provide vital support to both patients in need and the
    doctors who balance the care of many individuals. Recognizing their
    essential function in our medical system, we allocated more than $30
    million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund under the Affordable
    Care Act to expand the Physician Assistant Training Program, and to
    increase the number of physician assistants in primary care over the
    next 5 years. Primary care is the foundation of preventive health care,
    and we must support the training of hundreds of new physician assistants
    who can join the medical field and increase access to providers and
    services in underserved areas. Our Nation needs a strong primary care
    workforce and the continued dedication of physician assistants in our
    hospitals, clinics, and medical offices to address the crucial health
    issues of our time.
    Countless American families have relied on the skill, concern, and
    commitment of physician assistants, in both joyous times and heart-
    wrenching circumstances. As we recognize their countless contributions
    this week, we also pay tribute to the kind and meticulous care provided
    by all of America's medical professionals. Our Nation is stronger
    because of these invaluable workers, and their efforts safeguard a
    healthy future for all Americans.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6 through
    October 12, 2010, as National Physician Assistants Week. I call upon all
    Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities,
    and programs that honor and foster appreciation for our physician
    assistants and all medical professionals.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA