For Immediate Release:
January 25, 2007

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Health Department says Blunt Proposals Will Improve Health of Missourians

Governor Blunt’s proposals outlined in his State of the State address and his budget will lead to healthier and safer Missouri citizens, the director of the Missouri Department of Health said today.

“The Governor’s proposals address critical issues that directly impact on the health of the people of Missouri,” said Jane Drummond. “These initiatives give us additional tools and resources to protect Missourians and help improve their health.”

Drummond said the Governor’s proposal to create HealthNet, an entirely new system to replace the old Medicaid system, is revolutionary.

“HealthNet’s focus on prevention and wellness will be the model for the nation,” Drummond said. “HealthNet will change the way all Missourians look at health care and what it means to be healthy,” she added.

Drummond said she also appreciates the Governor’s proposal to dedicate $1 million to smoking prevention and cessation.

“This funding will give us additional tools to prevent young people from starting smoking in the first place, which is critical to reduce the state’s rate of tobacco use,” Drummond said.

Drummond said the Governor’s proposed increase for in-home services for the elderly and disabled will help keep people in their homes, which improves their quality of life.

“Seniors and disabled individuals are dependent on quality, dependable employees providing services in their homes; this increase will help attract and keep good employees,” Drummond said.

Drummond also praised the Governor’s legislative proposal to protect doctors, nurses and others who volunteer during emergencies from frivolous lawsuits when they are acting as Good Samaritans.

“The recent ice storm reminds us what a critical role volunteers play,” Drummond said. “We have seen instances where health professionals wanted to volunteer, but were concerned about liability. This law would take away that worry,” she added.

The Governor also recommends additional funding for the Alternatives to Abortion program, and is calling for the program to be included in statute. Drummond said the additional funds will be used to provide critical services to low-income women.

Drummond said Missourians would be further protected by health care technology improvements the Governor wants to fund. Drummond said this funding would lead to improved disease detection and reporting by the Missouri State Health Laboratory, and improved systems of protecting children in child care as well as seniors and disabled individuals through the background screening of caregivers.