- Star Grassroots Advocates
- On August 23, PAEA conducted an advocacy training session for the 75 students at the Drexel University PA program. Thank you for your interest in policy and advocacy!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- In late August, the Health Resources and Services Administration announced that PA students would be newly eligible for the National Health Service Corps Students to Service program. Securing expanded eligibility for PA students for this program, which provides participants with up to $120,000 in loan repayment assistance in exchange for practicing in an underserved area, has been a top advocacy priority for PAEA.
- On August 16, PAEA sent a letter to Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) endorsing the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act. If enacted, this bill would authorize $10 million annually through fiscal year 2025 to support the curriculum development at PA and other health professions programs pertaining to screening for suicidal risk factors in children and adolescents and appropriate interventions.
- Health Care News in Washington
- On August 9, Senate Democratic leadership disseminated a memo announcing the caucus’ priorities for upcoming budget reconciliation legislation. Specific priorities announced by leadership include new investments in minority-serving institutions, an expansion of the National Health Service Corps, and health equity measures particularly pertaining to maternal and behavioral health.
- Throughout the August recess, committee work on the development of the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill took place with the aim of advancing final legislation in September.
- Opportunities for Action
- PAEA is urging the Senate to prioritize the Rural MOMS Act for a floor vote. If you have not already done so, please send a message to your senators urging them to cosponsor the bill today.
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