November 2008 Advocacy Update
Election Results Impact on Hematology
Now that the election has been decided, be sure to attend two special sessions during the 50th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Francisco that will examine what the elections mean for hematology and the nation. To be held on Saturday, December 6, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., the ASH Practice Forum: "The Patient, the Hematologist and the Unexpected" will include a legislative update and analysis of what to expect from the new president and Congress. On Sunday, December 7, from 7:00-8:00 a.m., the ASH Grassroots Network Breakfast will address how to become involved in advocacy. Details are below:
ASH Practice Forum: "The Patient, the Hematologist, and the Unexpected"
Saturday, December 6, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Marriott, Yerba Buena, Salons 4-6
This year's forum will focus on two areas of unexpected results encountered commonly in hematology practice and how the hematologist should respond. It will also include a legislative update of practice-related policies and what to expect from the new Congress and president. Speakers include:
- Philip R. Greipp, MD, Mayo Clinic
Incidental Findings and Monoclonal Proteins- Malik Juweid, MD, University of Iowa
One PET Too Many- Mila Becker, ASH Director of Government Relations and Practice, and Ellen Riker, MARC Associates
2009 Practice Policy CompanionASH Grassroots Network Breakfast
Sunday, December 7, 7:00 – 8:00 a.m., The InterContinental San Francisco, Grand Ballroom B
This year's Grassroots Network Breakfast program will feature the world premiere of "Research Saves Lives", a short film about the importance of hematology research that will be used in a national advocacy campaign to support increased federal funding of biomedical research. Additional highlights of the breakfast will include the opportunity to learn what the results of the elections mean for hematology, ways to get involved in ASH advocacy and the Grassroots Network, and a preview of the 2009 ASH advocacy agenda.
Obama Administration to Overturn Ban on Stem Cell Research
President-Elect Barack Obama has indicated that one of the first acts of his new administration will be to issue an executive order to reverse President Bush’s policy limiting federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Read more.
ASH Working to Add NIH Funding to Possible Economic Recovery Package
ASH has joined with the biomedical research community in urging congressional leaders to include an additional $1.9 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in an economic recovery package that may be considered during a possible "lame duck" session of Congress later this month. Read more.
Outlook for Health Care Reform in Obama Administration Focuses on Children’s Health Insurance
The recent elections have established Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, and brought the issue of comprehensive health care reform to the forefront of next year’s political agenda. Read more.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Releases Blueprint for Health Care Reform
On Wednesday, November 12, Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) released his blueprint for health care reform. Read More.
ASH Works with Congressional Sponsors of Legislation on the Security and Continued Use of Cesium-137 Chloride Sources
Following September’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) workshop on the security and continued use of Cesium-137 chloride sources, ASH has been working with congressional sponsors of The Nuclear Facility and Materials Security Act of 2008(H.R. 6816/S. 3444). Read More.
Raynard Kington Appointed Acting Director of NIH
As expected, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Michael Leavitt, announced that Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, will serve as Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Read More.
Watch "Blood Detectives," a hematology documentary premiering on Discovery Health, on December 19
Mark your calendars to watch "Blood Detectives" December 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery Health. Read More.
New ASH Campaign Aims to Educate Consumers on Vital Connection Between Blood and Personal Health
ASH has launched a new public education campaign and Web site, Blood: The Vital Connection, with the goal of helping health care consumers understand the important role of blood in overall health. Read More.
Save the date – or dates – for Highlights of ASH
This year Highlights of ASH is taking place in Phoenix, AZ, on January 30–31, 2009; in Miami, FL, on February 6–7, 2009; and in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 15-16, 2009. Don't wait, register today!