On May 25, 1999, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13122, establishing an Interagency Task Force on Economic Development of the Southwest Border (TX, AZ, CA, NM). The purpose of the Task Force is to coordinate and better leverage existing efforts in the southwest border, in concert with local efforts to increase living standards and the overall economic profile of this region. Catherine Dodd, HHS Regional Director, Region IX, is the HHS regional representative on the Task Force. Reducing health disparities in this region will go a long way toward improving living standards. Lack of health insurance is a major problem that needs to be addressed. These border states have some of the highest rates of uninsured in the country. Approximately 3 million residents of this area (25 %) are without health insurance. This presentation will focus on the work of the Task Force, the extent and nature of the health disparities that exist in the region, and the federal responses planned and/or implemented in reducing those health disparities in the Southwest border.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Underserved Populations,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.