DeLauro Hosts Discussion on Benefits of Health Care Reform Legislation, Expansion of Access to Care

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03) visited the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center today and hosted a panel discussion on the landmark health care reform legislation and how it will expand access to care for millions of Americans and benefit communities across the country.

Congresswoman DeLauro toured the facility and was joined by Jamesina Henderson, CEO of the Cornell Scott Hill Health Corporation, Dr. Jeannette Ickovics of the Yale School of Public Health, Dr. Chisara Asomugha of the City of New Haven, Community Services, Kyle Ballou, Vice President of Yale New Haven Hospital, Barbara Di Mauro, Assistant Clinical Director of Bridges, and Christopher O'Connor, President and CEO of Saint Raphael Healthcare System for the panel discussion. The participants discussed how the policies of the health reform legislation will translate to healthier communities and a more coordinated, efficient health care delivery system.

The health reform legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama includes reforms that will benefit all Americans. From small business owners, to women, individuals with pre-existing conditions, young adults, and seniors, the impact will be felt in all aspects of our communities. The new law will expand coverage to 32 million individuals currently without insurance and make coverage more secure and affordable for those who are insured.

The Cornell Scott Hill Health Center was established in 1968 as a collaboration between the local community and the Yale School of Medicine, and was the first community health center in Connecticut. It serves the neighborhoods of New Haven, West Haven, towns in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, Naugatuck and Oxford.

"These reforms build on what we know is already working to expand health care access to more Connecticut families, strengthening primary and preventive care to get care to patients early and keep them out of the emergency room. We have included $11 billion over five years to continue improving our CHC system, including construction money, to help finish projects like the one here at Cornell-Scott," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "And we have included unprecedented, some might even say transformative, investments in our public health system including a national prevention and wellness trust fund, a national diabetes prevention program, and $25 million in grants to better fight childhood obesity."