Pictured (left to right): Rep.Mike Ross, Paul Pessis, Patrick Feeney, Alison Grimes, Cheryl Kreider Carey, Rep. Jason Altmire
Under the backdrop of a spectacular evening sunset in the shadow of the Capitol dome, American Academy of Audiology President Alison Grimes, AuD cut the ribbon to officially open the Academy's newly acquired Capitol Hill office located at 312 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. Four members of Congress, Representatives Richard Neal (D-MA), Mike Ross (D-AR), Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Jason Altmire (D-PA) were on hand for the special occasion held Tuesday, September 18. "This is a monumental event for both our membership and the patients we serve. We are proud to be taking a more active role in both the political process as well as the community of Capitol Hill and it is imperative that we help Congress understand the important part we play in health care delivery," stated Grimes. After being moved by Dr. Grimes' remarks, Rep. Neal spoke about his own personal experience with hearing loss. Rep. Ross, chief sponsor of the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 1665), offered congratulatory remarks and updated the crowd on the growing list of cosponsors (56) that now support the bill. The Academy intends to utilize its close proximity to the Hill to make the public more aware of their public policy initiatives, including the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act, as referenced by Rep. Ross. Endorsed by virtually all of the nation's consumer hearing health care organizations including the National Association of the Deaf (www.nad.org), the Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org), the American Tinnitus Association (www.ata.org), and the American Association of People with Disabilities (www.aapd-dc.org), it is easy to view this legislation as a patient issue. "We are working to have Congress better understand the health care needs of patients as they approach their later years and require more access to quality care," concluded Grimes. The legislation is awaiting Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) to introduce the Senate companion bill in the near future. Having a specific understanding of the health care delivery system, Senator Johnson is resolute in again leading the introduction of this important legislation in the Senate.
For more information contact Phil Bongiorno, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Academy of Audiology at (703) 226-1032.
The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. The active membership of more than 10,000 audiologists join together to provide the highest quality of hearing healthcare service to children and adults described by our national slogan "Caring for America's Hearing." The Academy promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness and support of research. For more information about the American Academy of Audiology, go to www.audiology.org.
