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February 19, 2024

ACEP Urges Congress to Support Physician Mental Health, Pediatric Emergency Care

ACEP is urging Congress to reauthorize funding for the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act” (H.R. 7153), the “Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act” (H.R. 6960) and other federal programs. A legislative hearing on Feb. 14 discussed critical support for a variety of ACEP-supported health care efforts.

In a statement for the record, ACEP said:

The law that bears Dr. Breen’s name honors her life and legacy, and as of today more than $100 million has been distributed to 44 organizations to improve access to mental health services and resources for physicians and health care providers across the nation. H.R. 7159 reauthorizes the law’s critical programs through fiscal year 2029 and sets them on a traditional five-year authorization process, ensuring necessary and continued support for health care workers' wellbeing. We urge Congress to swiftly take up and pass this vital legislation.

The statement voices strong support for the exclusive federal initiative focused on enhancing emergency services for the pediatric population, the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, which is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The program “has been pivotal in transforming pediatric emergency care across the United States and has directed crucial focus and funding towards a group that was once overlooked and has unique health considerations and needs,” the letter said.

ACEP is proud to continue the work necessary to strengthen support for emergency physicians and their most vulnerable patients.

Get Involved

Emergency physicians who want to speak out about changes that shape the specialty should attend the 2024 ACEP Leadership & Advocacy Conference (LAC), April 14-16 in Washington, DC.

With so much at stake today, the LAC experience can be applied beyond the nation’s capital to your community and at your workplace. Register today!

Related Resources

ACEP Federal Advocacy Overview

ACEP Advocacy Action Center

ACEP State Advocacy Overview

 

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