Tom Daschle

Opening Statement
Health and Human Services Secretary-Designate Tom Daschle
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
January 8, 2009

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"..it is simply because our health care system is not oriented toward prevention, and therefore, fails to incentivize the screenings and lifestyle changes that can do so much to improve health. Any health care reform plan must make sure every American has preventative care that prevents disease and disability. Coverage after you get sick should be a second line of defense. Today, it’s often the first line of defense.

In addition to being sound medicine, this is sound fiscal policy. Studies have shown that for every $1 spent on prevention we could net a return of $5.60 in health care costs – totaling upwards of $16 billion annually within five years.

But it’s not enough to give every American care. It needs to be high-quality care.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can contribute to a 21st-century health system by making prevention more than just a part of its name. I believe that moving our system toward health care and away from sick care is critical to solving our long-term health challenges.

The CDC is critical to that goal

I will work to revitalize CDC and strengthen its ability to detect and investigate health problems; conduct research to enhance prevention; develop and advocate sound public health policies; implement prevention strategies; promote health behaviors; and foster safe and healthful environments. We should provide greater support to the public health and primary care health workforce..."