Congresswoman Matsui Receives Public Service Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 7, 2009

CONTACT: MARA LEE

(202) 225-7163

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) announced at their 51st Annual Meeting yesterday that Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) has been named as the recipient of one of two Public Service Awards for her work to promote health care issues. The Congresswoman has introduced legislation for improved research and treatment of bone marrow diseases in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1230, the Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act, and has led Congressional efforts for blood cancer research funding in recent years.

"Since winning a special election in 2005 to fill the remainder of the term of her late husband, who died from complications of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Rep. Matsui has been a champion of health-care and research issues," said a spokesperson for the Society. "As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees most health-related issues in the House, and because of her personal experience with MDS, Rep. Matsui has been particularly active in issues related to bone marrow failures and hematologic malignancies, and has sponsored legislation to improve research and treatment of bone marrow diseases. She has also helped to lead congressional efforts to secure dedicated blood cancer research funding at the Department of Defense."

"I thank the Society for this award and for recognizing my efforts in promoting medical research and improved health care," said Representative Matsui, who represents the Sacramento, CA community. "I am committed to improving the quality of health care in America, and am proud of the work that we have done to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act in the House. As the Senate continues to negotiate the terms of a comprehensive health insurance reform package, I am committed to insuring that any legislation going forward will have the best interests of Americans at its core."

The American Society of Hematology is the world's largest professional society of blood specialists. ASH's mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and vascular systems by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.