FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2006

Media Contact: Adam J. Segal
(202) 756-2252 (office)
(202) 422-4673 (cell)

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR HISPANIC HEALTH & PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS LAUNCH SPANISH–LANGUAGE VOTER GUIDE ON HEALTH ISSUES

WASHINGTON–With Hispanics expected to play an important role in elections across the nation this November 7th a major voter guide has been produced to inform Hispanic voters about candidates' positions on medical, health, and scientific research.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance), Research!America and the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation have developed a Spanish-language voter guide on health issues that will allow Hispanics to make better informed decisions when they go to the polls in November. The ěSus candidatos. Su salud.î (Your Candidates–Your Health) voter guide is available at http://www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org/espanol

"Our community cares deeply about the need to dramatically improve our nation's health care system and this voters guide helps them take that passion and put it into their vote," said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. "This is the most comprehensive voters guide on candidates' views on medical, health, and scientific research, ever developed. And it's available online in both Spanish and in English."

Hispanics comprise more than 12% of the population in more than a dozen competitive House districts. They are also expected to play a critical role in competitive statewide Senate and Governors races.

In national polls, Americans consistently describe medical, health, and scientific research as important, yet just 9% said they were very well informed about their elected officials' positions on these issues, in a 2005 Research!America poll.

Of the more than 475 candidates for Congress who have responded to the Your Candidates–Your Health survey so far, three in four say the U.S. is losing its global competitive edge in innovation. Voters are also concerned, with 65% of Americans saying that we are losing our edge in this area. Americans believe the U.S. should be a global leader in research, but 56% think the U.S. is performing poorly in science and math education.

Research!America and the Lasker Foundation invited all 2006 Congressional candidates to answer 10 questions about medical, health, and scientific research.

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 14 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, visit www.hispanichealth.org or call 202-387-5000.

About the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation
The Foundation's mission is to foster the prevention and treatment of disease and disability by honoring excellence in basic and clinical science, and through public education and research advocacy. The centerpiece activity of the Foundation is an annual awards program, which recognizes transforming achievements in basic and clinical research, as well as significant public service in behalf of medical science. For more information, see www.laskerfoundation.org.

About Research!America
Research!America is the nationís largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, Research! America is supported by more than 500 member organizations that represent the voices of 125 million Americans. For more information, see www.researchamerica.org.

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