FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
“Today, we applaud President Biden and his administration for sharing in a bold approach to modernizing our nation’s infrastructure. This proposal is both cross-sectoral and comprehensive in its approach. It is not only a win for jobs and economic prosperity, but a win for our nation’s public health.
These wins range from improving the safety and physical presence of our public schools while expanding equitable access to public transportation, to bolstering our resiliency against climate change by promoting pollution-limiting electric vehicles and encouraging the proliferation of green energy.
One proposal specifically caught my attention, and it is the total removal of lead service pipes. Removing lead from our water systems will make a dramatic improvement in the health and well-being of our children. I am glad to see the clear public health focus reflected in today’s proposal that is more than an infrastructure plan, but also a major effort to address the public’s health as a co-benefit, especially with its initiatives to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
The plan’s focused efforts on addressing longstanding inequities among underserved communities and communities of color is essential to addressing health disparities. As a country, we must continue to dismantle the systems that perpetuate these inequities.
APHA is committed to creating the healthiest nation in one generation, and achieving that goal requires multi-faceted approaches. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and Congress to advance this proposal and make the case to the American people how important it is to both Build Back Better and Healthy.”
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.