FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2021
CONTACT:
Kathy Melley, (617) 791-0708
(BOSTON, MA) – Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services. She is the first openly transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A pediatrician by training, Dr. Levine previously served as Secretary of Health for the State of Pennsylvania, where she oversaw the state’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout her career, Dr. Levine has worked to call attention to and address health equity issues that affect LGBTQ+ individuals.
Statement of Emily Stewart, executive director of Community Catalyst, in response to Senate confirmation of Dr. Rachel Levine at Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“We congratulate Dr. Levine on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services and for making history as the first openly transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Through her leadership of Pennsylvania’s health department, background as a pediatrician, and work to bring awareness to health equity issues impacting the LBGTQ+ community, Dr. Levine is the kind of leader we need in the federal government. Her historic confirmation is a proud moment for our country, and we look forward to supporting her efforts to advance health equity and justice.”
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About Community Catalyst: Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable, quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @healthpolicyhub.
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