REP. RALPH REGULA RECEIVES AWARD FROM PEDIATRICIANS

Washington, DC---U.S. Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH) received the Excellence in Public Service Award (EPSA) from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for his legislative work to improve child and adolescent health care. AAP leaders presented Rep. Regula with the award in his Washington, DC office today.

"Representative Regula is a legislator who, through his actions, has helped millions of children," said AAP President Eileen M. Ouellette, MD, JD, FAAP.

Rep. Regula, as chair of the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies subcommittee, has championed federal funding for childhood vaccines, Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (GME), and health professions training grants, of which Title VII provides training for pediatricians.

"Children's needs are often overlooked in the legislative arena because they can't speak up for themselves," Dr. Ouellette said. "Representative Regula gets it when it comes securing policies that help children. He is one of their strongest advocates, and the AAP values his commitment."

Each year, the AAP honors national officials, elected or appointed, for distinguished service through the public policy process on behalf of children and adolescents and their health care. The other recipients are U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R- PA) and U.S. Rep. David Obey (D-WI).

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.