WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell led four appropriations letters urging FY19 investments in sickle cell disease research and screening, poison control centers, equitable Medicare payments for rural hospitals, and programs that reduce racial, economic, ethnic, and geographic health disparities.

“I believe access to healthcare is a right, and here in Congress, I have made it a top priority to strengthen health care delivery and access for my constituents,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “The letters I sent to House appropriators today highlight a few key areas where strong federal investments save lives and improve health outcomes.”

“At home in Alabama, many of our rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, and families need help to afford care. Two of my letters urge our federal agencies to take action addressing regional, racial, and socioeconomic disparities in health care access and quality. When we improve our nation’s healthcare infrastructure, we have to make sure no family or community is left behind.”

In addition to the health priorities she championed, Rep. Sewell joined a number of congressional appropriations letters urging investments in medical research, Head Start, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and career development.

Read the full text of Rep. Sewell’s appropriations letters for FY19:

Sickle Cell Disease FY2019 Appropriations Letter – led by Reps. Terri Sewell, Danny Davis, G.K. Butterfield, and Barbara Lee

Ending Ethnic and Racial Health Disparities FY2019 Appropriations Letter – led by Reps. Terri Sewell and Hank Johnson

Poison Control Centers FY2019 Appropriations Letter – led by Reps. Terri Sewell, Susan Brooks

Consolidated FY2019 Health Appropriations Letter – led by Rep. Terri Sewell

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.