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Contact: Ivette Zamora
203-325-8772 ext.24
IZamora@environics-usa.com

New York, NY - June 12, 2006 - In a move to improve healthcare for the nation's growing population of older adults, a House of Representatives appropriations subcommittee last week acted to restore crucial funding to geriatrics, a field facing a severe shortage of healthcare professionals.

The House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee last week allocated $31.5 million for Title VII geriatrics health professions programs for 2007. The move would restore funding for these crucial initiatives -- which support geriatrics training and research -- to 2005 levels. Congress eliminated Title VII geriatrics funding in 2006 with devastating effects. Title VII of the Public Health Service Act supports initiatives to increase healthcare services for underserved populations.

"This is an important step forward for all older Americans, and we must do all we can to ensure that the final budget includes these funds for Title VII geriatrics programs," said AGS President Jane Potter, M.D. "There is a growing, nationwide shortage of health professionals with the training necessary to meet the healthcare needs of the nation's burgeoning elder population. Continued loss of Title VII funds -- the only federal funds for geriatrics training -- would increase the likelihood that the current shortage will reach crisis proportions."

The full House Appropriations Committee is slated to review and vote on appropriations proposals early this week. It's likely, but not certain, that Senate appropriators will allocate a similar amount for Title VII geriatrics programs. Ultimately, both chambers must agree on appropriations for these programs.

Currently, there are fewer than 7,000 certified geriatricians nationwide, approximately half the needed number. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 or older -- approximately twice the number in 2000. In light of this, the American Geriatrics Society urges all Americans to contact their legislators in support of funding for Title VII geriatric programs.

To find out more about these important programs, please visit www.americangeriatrics.org/advocacy.