American Geriatrics Society Awards Senator Herb Kohl the 2011 David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award
May 15th, 2011
|
AGS Media Contact: |
NEW YORK -- During the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, was awarded the David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award, for his outstanding efforts to improve the lives of older Americans. This award was established in 2002 to acknowledge exceptional contributions to public service and to improving healthcare quality for older people. AGS created the David H. Solomon Award in recognition of Dr. Solomon’s outstanding commitment to advancing our knowledge of geriatrics and caring for older adults in the community.
Senator Kohl was honored for his leadership on a wide range of legislative issues that affect older Americans. His “Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act,” and his leadership in holding an Aging Committee hearing highlighting the importance of developing new grant programs to increase geriatrics training across all healthcare disciplines, demonstrates his commitment to expanding geriatrics education and training. Components of the “Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act” are now part of the Affordable Care Act.
In December 2010, Senator Kohl delayed the nomination of Michele M. Leonhart to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) until the Justice Department agreed to draft legislation to revise the Controlled Substances Act in an effort to ensure that older patients in long-term care facilities willreceive pain relief in a timely manner if their doctor is not immediately available to order a prescription. Senator Kohl's staff is currently in discussions with the DEA on the draft legislative language.
"In recent years we have made progress on policy that will help make the lives of all Americans a little better as they grow older. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to improve our nation's nursing homes, lower healthcare costs, and increase retirement security for all," Senator Kohl said. "I'm honored to receive this award and will continue my efforts to further the ideals it represents."
“We thank Senator Kohl for his dedication to advancing health policies that support older adults,” said AGS President Barbara Resnick, PhD, CRNP. “Senator Kohl has made it a top priority to support geriatrics education and training across the country. He has done a tremendous job making prescription medications more affordable to older adults, and protecting the growing population against investment fraud, elder abuse, and nursing home neglect. Senator Kohl has also understood the vital role that caregivers – estimated to number 52 million – fill when caring for older people.”
Cheryl Phillips, MD, Outgoing Chair of the AGS Board of Directors, went to Senator Kohl’s office during the annual meeting to present the award. Senator Kohl recently announced his plans not to seek re-election. His current Senate term will end in 2012. “Senator Kohl’s commitment to improving the lives of older adults is measurable and inspiring,” said Dr. Phillips. “His leadership and vision will be missed, but it is certain he will continue to serve as an inspiration to future champions.” An aging America depends upon it.
About the David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award
AGS created the David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award in 2002 to honor Dr. Solomon in recognition of his commitment to community service and to the advancement of our knowledge of caring for older adults. Dr. Solomon is the founding Director of the Center on Aging at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is known for his excellence in research, teaching, patient care, and administration. Dr. Solomon teaches everyone who enters his life about the value of personal interactions and the importance of caring for people.
About the American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a non-for-profit organization of over 6,000 health professionals devoted to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policy makers and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy.
Modified On: January 24th, 2012
