James M. Jeffords: “I rise to recognize Senator Frist for taking an important step that brings together a number of Government programs of…”

“I rise to recognize Senator Frist for taking an important step that brings together a number of Government programs of research, treatment and disease prevention for women. Over the past several years, Congress and the Nation have become increasingly concerned about women's health. I appreciate the leadership and the expertise that Dr. Frist brings to Congress about these issues. We have much to learn about recognizing and treating the medical needs of women. In the first session of the 105th Congress, at least 21 bills relating to women's health were introduced and referred to the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. At our committee hearing on women's health last July, we heard about important advances being made in research. We also heard about significant gaps of knowledge which need to be filled. More importantly, we recognize how important it is to get information about scientific advances to the public and their health care providers. Thus, I am pleased the provisions of this bill provide for research and for public and professional education. We know that once the information is out to the public and health care professionals, we need screening programs, closely followed by access to treatment. The bill provides for important patient services. Finally, once common conditions are well recognized, detected and treated, we need data to track our progress in disease prevention and to alert us to new help in illness trends.”