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Public Health
Background
Public health is the practice of preventing diseases and promoting good health within groups of people. It concentrates on the well-being of the population rather than care of the individual patient, and works to protect and improve the health of communities through education, policy development, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research.
Where We Stand
The American College of Physician’s mission includes advocating for responsible positions on public policy relating to health care for the good of our patients and the public. We take evidence-based positions on a range of public health issues, from climate change to prescription drug pricing to smoking cessation to reducing firearms-related injuries and deaths to substance-use disorder to immigration.
ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT
Buffalo Shooting Highlights Multiple Public Health Crises
ACP says recent tragedy highlights failings of current regulations on firearms and the prevalence of hate crimes and racism.
- Climate Change
- Firearms-related Injuries and Death
- Increasing Health Care Equity
- Immigration
- Public Health Infrastructure
- Substance Use Disorder
- Tobacco Use and Vaping
Climate Change
Human health is already being affected by climate change and its impact is expected to worsen. The American College of Physicians believes that physicians and the broader health care community throughout the world should engage in environmentally sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions; support efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change; and educate others about the health risks posed by climate change.
- PolicyDeclaration on Climate Change and Health 2021
- PolicyClimate Change and Health: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians 2016
- ResourceClimate Change Toolkit
Latest Advocacy Efforts
- LetterJoint Letter to Congress Supporting House-Passed Climate Change Investments 5/20/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to Members of Congress Supporting Climate Change Provisions in the House-Passed Build Back Better Act 2/9/2022
- StatementInternists Say Administration’s Actions to Limit Vehicle Emissions Will Protect Public Health 12/20/2021
- LetterJoint Comment Letter on AHRQ's Climate Change and Environmental Justice Request for Information 12/13/2021
- LetterJoint Letter Calling for Effective Commitments on Climate and Health Equity at the 2021 United Nations Climate Negotiations 10/11/2021
- LetterJoint Letter Calling on Congress to Support Policies to Promote and Protect Health in Response to Climate Change 9/7/2021
- LetterJoint Letter to President Biden regarding Greenhouse Gas Emission Targets and Climate Change Adaptation Activities 4/8/2021
Firearms-related Injuries and Death
The American College of Physicians believes that injuries and deaths due to firearms are a public health issue. ACP calls for common-sense legislation that will help to keep patients safe by keeping guns from people who pose a threat, banning the sale of assault weapons and bump stocks, and requiring that firearms and ammunition be stored safely and securely.
- PolicyFirearm-Related Injury and Death in the United States: A Call to Action From the Nation's Leading Physician and Public Health Professional Organizations 10/2019
- PolicyACP Summary of 2018 Position Paper Update on Reducing Firearms-related Injury and Death 1/8/2019
- PolicyReducing Firearm Injuries and Deaths in the United States: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians 11/2018
Latest Advocacy Efforts
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Laud the Passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Aimed at Reducing Firearms-related Deaths and Injuries 6/27/2022
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Disappointed by Court Decision Striking Down Firearms Regulation 6/23/2022
- LetterACP Letter of Support to Senate Leadership for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, S. 2938 6/22/2022
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Say Senate Agreement Promising First-step in Reducing Firearms-related Deaths and Injuries 6/13/2022
- LetterACP Letter of Support for Legislative Action to Reduce Firearms Related Violence to Senate Leadership 6/9/2022
- LetterACP Letter of Support for H.R. 7910, The Protecting Our Kids Act 6/8/2022
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Express Dismay at Shooting of Physicians and Others in Tulsa, Repeat Call for Action 6/2/2022
Increasing Health Care Equity
The American College of Physicians is committed to advocating for policies that attempt to mitigate inequities within our health care system and better provide for the unique health care needs and challenges of diverse populations. This includes advocating against racial and ethnic disparities; for women’s health; for LGBTQ persons; and to address the social determinants of health.
- Policy An Update to ACP’s Women’s Health Policy in the United States 6/24/2022
- Policy Reforming Physician Payments to Achieve Greater Equity and Value in Health Care: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians 6/20/2022
- PolicyRacism and Health in the United States: A Policy Statement from the American College of Physicians 2020
- PolicyAddressing Social Determinants to Improve Patient Care and Promote Health Equity 2018
- PolicyWomen's Health Policy in the United States: An American College of Physicians Position Paper 2018
- PolicyPosition Statement on Recognizing Hate Crimes as a Public Health Issue 2017
- PolicyLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Disparities 2015
Latest Advocacy Efforts
Racial Health Disparities, Prejudice and Violence
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Greatly Concerned by Supreme Court Decision Eliminating Right to Reproductive Services 6/24/2022
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Decry Government Interference in Patient-Physician Relationship 4/8/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to Congressional Appropriators Urging Increased Funding for the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant 4/6/2022
- TestimonyACP Statement to the Energy and Commerce Committee Regarding Mental and Behavioral Health Legislation 4/5/2022
- StatementJoint Statement Opposing Legislation that Threatens Access to Reproductive Health Care 3/22/2022
- TestimonyACP Statement for the Record to the Energy & Commerce Committee on Legislation Regarding Medical Innovation and Oversight 3/17/2022
- LetterInternal Medicine Physicians Decry Policies that Encourage Discrimination Against LGBTQ Persons 3/9/2022
Immigration
The American College of Physicians recognizes our country’s interest in ensuring that everyone residing within our borders has access to adequate health care. ACP believes immigrants’ access to health care should be addressed as a national issue rather than through a patchwork of state laws. This policy would need to balance legitimate needs and concerns to control our borders, while recognizing that society has a public health interest in ensuring that all resident persons have access to care.
- PolicyPosition Statement on Increasing Access to Healthcare for Non-Detained Asylum Seekers Living in the United States 4/25/2022
- PolicyThe Health Impact of Family Detentions in Immigration Cases 2018
- PolicyNational Immigration Policy and Access to Healthcare 2018
- PolicyImmigration Position Statement 2017
Latest Advocacy Efforts
- LetterJoint Letter with Comments in Response to Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility 4/25/2022
- TestimonyACP Statement for the Record to the Senate HELP Committee for the Hearing FDA User Fee Agreements: Advancing Medical Product Regulation and Innovation for the Benefit of Patients 4/5/2022
- LetterJoint Letter in Response to DHS’s Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility 10/22/2021
- LetterACP Support Letter for the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, Which Would Provide the “Dreamers” A Pathway to Citizenship 3/16/2021
- StatementInternists Say Biden Administration Actions an Important Step Toward Protecting International Medical Graduates and All Immigrants 2/3/2021
Public Health Infrastructure
A strong public health infrastructure provides the capacity to prepare for and respond to both acute (emergency) and chronic (ongoing) threats to the nation’s health. The American College of Physicians believes it is imperative that we as a nation invest and maintain a strong public health infrastructure in order to ensure that appropriate health care services are able to meet the population’s health care needs.
- PolicyPosition Statement on Immunization of Health Care Workers 9/14/2021
- PolicyPosition Statement on Immunization Policies to Protect the Public 9/14/2021
- PolicyPosition Statement on Promoting Policy Standards for Workplace Violence Prevention and Management 9/14/2021
- PolicyStatement of Principles on the Role of Governments in Regulating the Patient-Physician Relationship 8/2012
- PolicyStrengthening the Public Health Infrastructure 4/2012
Latest Advocacy Efforts
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Related Advocacy
- TestimonyACP Written Testimony for the Record to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2023 5/18/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to Congressional Leadership Supporting Funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program 5/16/2022
- LetterJoint Letter Urging Senators to Support S.4132, Women’s Health Protection Act 5/10/2022
- LetterACP Written Testimony for the Record to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2023 5/9/2022
- LetterJoint Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2023 Supporting Funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical and Prosthetic Research Program 5/3/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees Supporting Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for FY2023 4/1/2022
- StatementInternal Medicine Physicians Say President’s Budget Proposal Would Fund Important Health Programs 3/29/2022
Substance Use Disorder
The American College of Physicians supports appropriate and effective efforts to reduce all substance abuse. ACP recognizes substance abuse as a chronic medical condition, and we believe that there needs to be a greater emphasis on prevention, education, aftercare and treatment. As physicians dealing with the health effects of this condition, we also support medical research on addiction, its causes and treatment.
- PolicyPosition Statement on Decreasing Barriers to Prescribe Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder 4/25/2022
- PolicyPosition Statement on Harm Reduction Strategies for Substance Use Disorders including Overdose Prevention Sites and Fentanyl Test Strips 4/25/2022
- PolicyHealth and Public Policy to Facilitate Effective Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 2017
- PolicyPrescription Drug Abuse 2013
Latest Advocacy Efforts
- TestimonyACP Statement to the Energy and Commerce Committee Regarding Mental and Behavioral Health Legislation 4/5/2022
- TestimonyACP Statement for the Record to the House Ways and Means Committee on "America's Mental Health Crisis" 2/2/2022
- LetterACP Letter of Support for the Comprehensive Addiction and Resources Emergency (CARE) Act 12/3/2021
- StatementACP Statement on the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act 7/8/2019
- StatementACP Encouraged by Bipartisan Opioid Legislation, Calls for Continued Action in Addressing Epidemic 10/24/2018
- LetterACP Comment Letter to Senate HELP and Finance Committees regarding the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 9/14/2018
Tobacco Use and Vaping
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. The American College of Physicians supports policies that help those who smoke to quit and help prevent people from starting. This includes encouraging increasing regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems; and calling for a ban of all tobacco and nicotine flavorings, including menthol.
- PolicyMinimum Age to Purchase Tobacco Position Statement 7/21/2018
- PolicyElectronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Policy Position Paper from the American College of Physicians 2015
- PolicyTobacco Control and Prevention 2010
Latest Advocacy Efforts
- StatementACP Applauds FDA’s Plan to Remove JUUL Products from Being Sold and Marketed In the U.S. 6/23/2022
- LetterJoint Letter Supporting FDA Action Regulations for Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars 4/22/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to Senate Appropriation Committee Expressing Support for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health 4/18/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to House Appropriation Committee Expressing Support for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health 4/18/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to Congressional Leaders Supporting FDA Regulation of Synthetic Nicotine Products 3/7/2022
- LetterJoint Letter to White House Supporting Funding for Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Programs in the FY2023 Budget 11/10/2021
Search the ACP Policy Library
To access everything ACP has said related to access to care issues search all policy statements, copies of testimony, and letters to government and non-government officials.
Climate Change
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- Joint Letter to Congressional Appropriators Supporting Funding for CDC Climate and Health Program 3/22/2021
- Internists Call Biden Administration Actions to Protect Scientific Integrity, Combat Climate Change Promising Sign 1/27/2021
- Joint Letter to Congress Supporting Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Programs in COVID-19 Recovery Legislation 7/21/2020
- Letter to EPA Regarding the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science Proposal 5/18/2020
- Joint Letter to House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees regarding Funding for the CDC Climate and Health Program 3/9/2020
- Joint Letter to House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding the EPA's "Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science" Proposed Rule 11/13/2019
- Joint Letter in Support of a Clean Energy Economy 9/17/2019
- Internists Applaud Passage of Climate Action Now Act, Recognizing Climate Change as Public Health Threat 5/2/2019
- Joint Letter regarding FDA's Premarket Tobacco Product Applications Proposed Rule 12/16/19
- ACP Letter of Support for the Climate Action Now Act (HR9) 5/1/2019
- Joint Letter on Funding for the CDC Climate and Health Program 3/22/2019
- Joint Letter to EPA Regarding Proposed Rule on Power Plant Emissions 3/18/2019
- Joint Letter to Sen. Markey and Rep. Cartwright Endorsing the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act 3/4/2019
- ACP Statement for the Record: House Resources Committee Hearing on the Impacts of Climate Change 2/6/2019
- Internists and Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health Awarded Grant Promoting Racial Equity 11/19/2018
- Joint Letter to EPA Regarding the Affordable Clean Energy Proposed Rule 10/31/2018
- Joint Letter to EPA and Department of Transportation regarding Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Proposed Rule 10/26/2018
- Internists Endorse Experts' Call for Policies to Curtail Global Emissions 10/9/2018
- Statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Proposed Rule to Replace the Clean Power Plan 8/22/2018
- Joint Letter to EPA Opposing Repeal of the Clean Power Plan 4/30/2018
- Joint Letter to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Expressing Opposition to Weakening Ozone Standards 7/24/2017
Firearms-related Injuries and Death
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- Internal Medicine Physicians Decry the Repeated Tragedy of Mass Shootings, Call for Action 5/25/2022
- Internal Medicine Physicians Say Buffalo Shooting Highlights Multiple Public Health Crises 5/17/2022
- Joint Letter to Congressional Appropriators Supporting Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding in FY2023 4/28/2022
- Joint Letter of Support To Congressional Appropriations Subcommittees For Funding Community Violence Intervention Initiative (CVI) at the CDC in FY2023 4/25/2022
- Internal Medicine Physicians Support Regulation of “Ghost Guns” 4/11/2022
- ACP Comments on ATF Proposed Rule on Ghost Guns 8/12/2021
- Joint Letter of Support To Congressional Appropriators For Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) Funding in Fiscal Year 2022 7/1/2021
- ACP Statement for the Record on the Hearing “An Unending Crisis: Essential Steps to Reducing Gun Violence and Mass Shootings” 5/20/2021
- ACP Applauds Biden Administration’s Actions to Reduce Firearms-related Injuries and Death 4/8/2021
- Internists Reaffirm Urgent Need for Policies to Prevent Firearm Violence and Hate Crimes in Light of Recent Mass Shootings 3/25/2021
- Joint Letter from Medical and Public Health Organizations to House Appropriators Supporting Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding in Fiscal Year 2022 3/25/2021
- Joint Letter from Medical and Public Health Organizations to Senate Appropriators Supporting Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding in Fiscal Year 2022 3/25/2021
- ACP Statement for the Record to the Senate Judiciary Committee for the hearing, “Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence.” 3/22/2021
- ACP Support Letter for the Background Check Expansion Act, S. 529 3/4/2021
- ACP Support Letter for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, H.R. 8 3/4/2021
- ACP Support Letter to Congressional Leadership for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, H.R. 8, and the Background Check Expansion Act, S. 529 3/4/2021
- Joint Letter to Congress on Funding for Firearms Violence Research 10/16/2019
- ACP and 41 Leading Organizations Announce Agreement on Call to Action to Reduce Gun Violence 10/16/2019
- Firearm-Related Injury and Death in the United States: A Call to Action From the Nation's Leading Physician and Public Health Professional Organizations 10/15/2019
- Joint Letter from Medical and Public Health Organizations Supporting Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding in Fiscal Year 2020 9/26/2019
- Joint Medical and Public Health Letter Call to Action to Reduce Gun Violence 9/6/2019
- ACP Letter to Senate Leaders Urging a Call to Action on Legislation to Curb Firearms-related Injury and Death 8/8/2019
- Internists, Leading Physician and Public Health Organizations Urge Immediate Action to Prevent Firearm-related Injury and Death 8/7/2019
- In Wake of Weekend Shootings, ACP Reaffirms Calls for Policies to Reduce Injuries and Deaths from Firearms, Prevent Hate Crimes 8/5/2019
- Statement for the Record to Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Red Flag Laws: Examining Guidelines for State Action 3/26/2019
- ACP Statement for the Record for Hearing "Addressing the Public Health Emergency of Gun Violence" 3/7/2019
- ACP Response to the Senate HELP Committee on Lowering Health Care Costs 3/1/2019
- Joint Letter to House Appropriators Supporting Fiscal Year 2020 Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Research at the CDC 2/21/2019
- Joint Letter to Senate Appropriators Supporting Fiscal Year 2020 Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Research at the CDC 2/21/2019
- Internists Applaud Passage of Bills Bolstering Background Checks for Firearms Purchasers by Key Congressional Committee 2/14/19
- ACP Letter to the House Judiciary Committee: Hearing on Preventing Gun Violence: A Call to Action 2/13/2019
- ACP Reaffirms Urgent Need for Policies to Reduce Gun Violence in Light of Recent Mass Shootings 1/29/19
- ACP Support Letter for the Raise the Age Act of 2019, H.R. 7171/24/2019
- ACP Support Letters for the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2019, S. 184 1/23/2019
- ACP Support Letter for the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2019, H.R. 674 1/23/2019
- ACP Letter of Support for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 1/9/2019
- ACP Supports Bill to Require Universal Background Checks for Firearms Purchasers 1/9/2019
- Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders Supporting CDC Gun Violence Research Funding 12/20/2018
- ACP Calls for Sweeping New Policies to Keep Guns Away from Those a Threat to Themselves, Others 10/29/2018
- In Wake of Pittsburgh Shooting, ACP Reaffirms Policies to Reduce Injuries and Deaths from Firearms, Prevent Hate Crimes 10/28/2018
- Letter to Secretary Pompeo Urging Action to Stop the Release of Downloadable 3-D Gun Files 7/31/2018
- Joint Letters to the House and Senate Asking to Include CDC Funding for Research into Firearms Injuries and Deaths in Appropriations Bills 4/27/2018
Increasing Health Care Equity
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- ACP Response to the Senate HELP Committee on the PREVENT Pandemics Act 2/2/2022
- ACP Letter to FDA Urging Review of Blood Donation Policy for Gay and Bisexual Men 2/2/2022
- ACP Letter of Support for H.R. 3614, the Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2021 1/25/2022
- Joint Letter to the Congressional Sponsors in Support of the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act 5/19/2021
- Joint Letter to Senate in Support of the Equality Act 5/13/2021
- Joint Letter to Congress Regarding FY 2022 Funding of $50 million for CDC's Social Determinants of Health Program 4/8/2021
- ACP Letter of Support for Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act 3/16/2021
- Internists Support Biden Administration's Actions to Begin to Improve Access to Health Care 1/27/2021
- Joint Letter to President-Elect Biden Urging Federal Action on Food Insecurity 12/18/2020
- ACP Signals Agreement with AAMC on Importance of Implicit Bias Trainings 9/30/2020
- Internists Call the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act a ‘Major Step Forward’ 6/24/2020
- ACP Letter of Support for H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act 6/24/2020
- Internists Applaud Supreme Court Decision Making It Illegal for Employers to Discriminate Against LGBTQ Individuals, Urge Reversal of Federal Rule Allowing Discrimination in Health Care 6/14/2020
- Internists “Gravely Concerned” About Discrimination and Violence by Public Authorities and Others 5/29/2020
- Letter of Support for Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 4/2/2019
- Internists Support Congressional Efforts to Extend Anti-Discrimination Protections to LGBT Americans 3/15/2019
- ACP Support Letter for the Equality Act 3/14/2019
- Thank You Letter on Preventing Maternal Deaths Act 12/17/2018
- ACP Support Letter to Reps. Moulton and Harper for the HEADs UP Act of 2018, H.R. 6611 10/19/2018
- Internists and Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health Awarded Grant Promoting Racial Equity 11/19/2018
- Internists Concerned Protection Rules Will Threaten Access to Preventive Health Services for Women 11/8/2018
- Group of Six Letter to Representatives Supporting Preventing Maternal Deaths Act 4/28/2018
- Letter to Senators McCain and Reed Supporting Amendment Protecting Transgender Members of Armed Forces 9/14/2017
- Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders Supporting Extension of Safety Net Programs 9/5/2017
- Joint Letter to CMS regarding the Medicare Social Security Number Removal Initiative (SSNRI) 5/19/2017
- ACP Letter of Support for S. 1016, the CONNECT for Health Act 5/11/2017
- ACP Letter to Senate Leaders Urging Passage of Mental Health Reform Legislation 7/12/2016
- Letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration Urging MUP Designation for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Patients 4/27/2016
- Joint Letter to HUD Regarding Smokefree Policies in Multi-unit Housing 1/7/2013
Immigration
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- Joint Letter from Frontline Physicians on DOL Interim Final Rule on Minimum Required Salaries Impacting Physicians on H-1b Visas 11/2020
- Joint Letter from Frontline Physicians on Proposed Rule Impacting Duration of Status for J-1 Physicians 10/26/2020
- Joint Letter Regarding OIG Complaint of Conditions at Irwin County Detention Center 9/22/2020
- Joint Letter Regarding Customs and Border Patrol Medical Services 9/22/2020
- Joint Letter Urging the Release of Children and Parents/Caregivers Together from ICE-run Family Residential Centers 7/16/2020
- Sign-On Letter Requesting Clarifying Language Allowing H-1B Physicians and Dependent Family Members Entry in to the US 7/8/2020
- Joint Statement Opposing June 22 Executive Order Suspending Immigration 07/02/2020
- Internists Commend Supreme Court Decision to Block DACA Rescission 06/18/2020
- Joint Letter Urging Implementation of an Influenza Vaccination Program at DHS Detention Centers 01/28/2020
- Internists Say Court's Decision on Public Charge Rule Jeopardizes Health Care for Immigrants 01/28/2020
- Comments to Department of State on Immigrant Health Insurance Coverage 10/31/2019
- Joint Letter to DHS on Vaccinating Detainees in the CBP Against Influenza 10/07/2019
- Letter Urging USCIS to Resume Consideration of Deferred Action Requests for Medical Reasons Act 9/16/2019
- America’s Frontline Physicians Oppose Final Rule Rolling Back Protections in Flores Settlement Agreement 8/28/2019
- Joint Statement of America’s Frontline Physicians Opposing Public Charge Final Rule 8/13/2019
- Joint Letter Supporting Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act 6/18/2019
- Internists Applaud Passage of Dream and Promise Act of 2019, Support Residents and Medical Students Protected Under DACA 12/11/2018
- ACP Letter of Support for H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 4/2/2019
- ACP Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Judiciary Hearing: Oversight of the Trump Administration's Family Separation Policy 2/26/2019
- Letter Requesting Customs and Border Protection Investigation 12/18/2018
- Internists Urge DHS to Prioritize Health of All U.S. Residents 12/11/2018
- Coalition Letter on Proposed Rule on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Emphasizing Importance of Social Support Programs 12/10/2018
- Refugees Fleeing Violence, Persecution Must Have the Right to Apply for Asylum at the Southern Border 11/9/2018
- Internists Applaud Court Decision Upholding DACA Program 11/9/2018
- ACP Fights Expanded Short-term Insurance and to Protect Access to Health Care for Immigrants 10/19/2018
- Joint Statement of America's Frontline Physicians Opposing Proposal to Change Public Charge Rules for Immigrants 9/24/2018
- Letter Opposing Family Detention Expansion9/18/2018
- Letter Requesting House Congressional Oversight on Child Detention Centers 7/25/2018
- Letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein Supporting the Keep Families Together Act 6/20/2018
- Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders Urging Protection of DACA Health Care Professionals 12/13/2017
- Joint Letter to Congressional Leadership Supporting DACA "Dreamers" 9/14/2017
- Letter to Senate Leadership Supporting DREAM Act of 2017 9/14/2017
- Letter to House Leadership Supporting DREAM Act of 2017 9/14/2017
- Joint Internal Medicine Letter Opposing Immigration Ban 2/7/2017
- Joint Letter Urging Trump to Reconsider Immigrant and Refugee Ban 2/2/2017
Public Health Infrastructure
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- ACP Statement for the Record to the Energy & Commerce Committee on Legislation Regarding Medical Innovation and Oversight 3/17/2022
- ACP Statement to the Senate Finance Committee - Prescription Drug Price Inflation - An Urgent Need to Lower Drug Prices in Medicare 3/16/2022
- Joint Letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee Supporting FY2023 Funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) 3/16/2022
- Joint Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Supporting FY2023 Funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) 3/16/2022
- Internal Medicine Physicians Heartened that House Funding Bill Supports Important Health Programs, Urge Senate Approval 3/10/2022
- Joint Letter Urging Finalization of the FY2022 Appropriations Process and Approve Final Spending Legislation 2/25/2022
- ACP Statement for the Record to the House Ways and Means Committee on "America's Mental Health Crisis" 2/2/2022
- ACP Response to the Senate HELP Committee on the PREVENT Pandemics Act 2/2/2022
- ACP Letter to FDA Urging Review of Blood Donation Policy for Gay and Bisexual Men 2/2/2022
- ACP Letter to the Department of Education Regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program 1/27/2022
- ACP Letter of Support for the Nomination of Dr. Robert Califf for Food and Drug Administration Commissioner 12/10/2021
- Joint Letter in Support of Dr. Robert Califf's Nomination for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration 12/10/2021
- ACP Comment Letter to Senate Leadership and Committees in Support of Key Provisions in the House-Passed Build Back Better Act 11/23/2021
- ACP Comment Letter to Congressional Leadership and Committees in Support of Key Provisions in the Build Back Better Act 11/3/2021
- Joint Letter to Congress Urging Budget Reconciliation Legislation to Include Lowering Prices of Insulin and Other Prescription Drugs 9/1/2021
- Internists Say Senate Bills Would Help Improve the Health of Americans 8/11/2021
- ACP Comment Letter to Senate Concerning the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 8/4/2021
- Joint Letter to HHS Requesting Review of the Recent NASEM Report on Primary Care 5/21/2021
- Joint Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2022 Supporting Funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical and Prosthetic Research Program 5/21/2021
- Joint Letter to the Congressional Leadership Urging Support for Increased Medical Research Funding In Upcoming Legislative Packages 5/19/2021
- ACP Written Testimony for the Record to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2022 5/19/2021
- ACP Statement for the Record to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for the hearing “Examining Our COVID-19 Response: Using Lessons Learned to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders” 4/28/2021
- ACP Support Letter for the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, Which Would Provide the “Dreamers” A Pathway to Citizenship 3/16/2021
- Joint Letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees Supporting Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for FY2022 3/1/2021
- Joint Letter to Congress Supporting Funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for FY2022 2/5/2021
- ACP Statement for the Record to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Telehealth During COVID-19 2/2/2021
- ACP Letter of Support for the Nomination of Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, to be the Surgeon General of the United States 2/10/2021
- Internists Say Initial Steps of Biden Administration Will Improve Health in the U.S. 1/21/2021
- ACP Letter to President-Elect Biden Regarding Policy Recommendations for the New Administration 12/10/2020
- Joint Letter to President-Elect Biden Urging the Appointment of Physicians in National Health Leadership Roles 12/3/2020
- Joint Letter to Trump Administration Urging Reversal of Policy to Bypass Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Collection and Reporting of COVID-19 Patient Data 7/17/2020
- Joint Letter to HHS Secretary Azar Urging Support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Its Mission 7/1/2020
- ACP Letter of Support for the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act 5/20/2020
- ACP Letter of Support for the Bipartisan Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act 5/12/2020
- ACP Written Testimony for the Record to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2021 3/23/2020
- Joint Recommendation Supporting Funding for VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program for FY2021 3/16/2020
- Joint Letter in Support of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response 3/13/2020
- ACP Support Letter for the
- ACP Recommends Swift Action to Address COVID-19, Recommendations to Trump Administration and Congress 3/11/2020
- Internists Ask Government to Take Additional Steps to Stem the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus 3/4/2020
- ACP Letter to House and Senate Leaders Urging Funding for Response to COVID-19 Virus 3/3/2020
- Joint Letter to Appropriations Committees for CDC FY2021 Funding 2/26/2020
- Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research FY 2021 Recommendations 2/26/2020
- Internists Say President’s Budget Would Harm the Health of Americans 2/11/2020
- Joint Letter to Congress Calling for NIH Funding in Fiscal Year 2020 10/24/2019
- Joint Letter to House Appropriations Supporting CDC Funding 10/23/2019
- Joint Letter to Senate Appropriations Supporting CDC Funding 10/23/2019
- Joint Letter in Support of Congressional Resolution on Importance of Vaccination in the U.S. and Worldwide 10/08/2019
- ACP Letter to Congressional Leaders in Support of Fiscal Year 2020 Funding Priorities 9/19/2019
- Joint Letter to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Supporting Matching House Appropriations Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for FY2020 6/21/2019
- Joint Letter in Support of Continued Funding for National Quality Forum 5/31/2019
- Internists Support Bill to Improve Vaccine Rates Across Country 5/23/2019
- ACP Support Letter to Reps. Schrier and Burgess for the VACCINES Act 5/23/2019
- Frontline Physicians Support the VACCINES Act 5/22/2019
- Joint Letter to Senate Finance Committee on PCORI Reauthorization 5/13/2019
- Joint Letter to House Committees on PCORI Reauthorization 5/13/2019
- Joint Letter on National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day Resolution 4/30/2019
- Letter on AHRQ Primary Care Research Center Request 4/2/2019
- ACP Written Testimony for the Record to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2020 4/3/2019
- ACP Written Testimony for the Record to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for FY2020 4/3/2019
- Joint Letter Supporting Funding Allocation 302(b) for DOL and HHS for 2020 Appropriations Bill 4/1/2019
- Joint Brochure Supporting Funding for VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program for FY2020 3/15/2019
- Joint Letter to Congress Supporting Funding for the National Institutes of Health for FY2020 3/7/2019
- Joint Letters to House Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Supporting Funding for AHRQ for FY2020 3/7/2019
- Joint Letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees Supporting Funding for CDC for FY2020 3/4/2019
- Group of 6 Principles on Federal Funding for Public Health Priorities 2/7/2019
- Joint Letters to Congress and the President About the Health Impacts of the Partial Federal Government Shutdown 1/17/2019
- Coalition Letter on Proposed Rule on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Emphasizing Importance of Social Support Programs 12/10/2018
- ACP Comment Letter to DHS on Public Charge Proposed Rule 12/5/2018
- Internists Tell Federal Court Short-term Plans Will Increase Premiums and Harm Patients 10/9/2018
Substance Use Disorder
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- ACP Letter to SAMHSA Urging Stricter Oversight of Substance Abuse Treatment Industry 9/12/2018
- Joint Principles for Addressing the Opioid Epidemic 6/11/18
- ACP Letter to Energy and Commerce Committee Regarding Opioids Legislation 4/20/2018
- ACP Letter to Senator Portman in Support of S. 2456, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 of 2018 4/10/2018
- ACP Letter to the Ways and Means Committee on Recommendations for Combating the Opioid Crisis 3/23/2018
- ACP Policy Recommendations to Senate Finance Committee on Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Treatment 2/16/2018
- Comment Letter to FDA Responding to Opioid Policy Steering Committee Request for Information 12/28/2017
- Letter to President Trump Regarding the Final Report of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis 11/22/2017
- Evaluation of the Final Report of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis 11/20/2017
- Coalition Letter to Senators Alexander and Murry regarding the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) Reauthorization 5/3/2017
- Letter to House and Senate Conference Committee members on ACP priorities for CARA legislation to reduce opioid addiction and substance use disorders 6/21/2016
- Comments to SAMHSA on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Proposed Rule 4/11/2016
- ACP Letter to the Senate HELP Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder/Opioid Bills 5/14/2016
- ACP Letter of Support for S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 2/26/2016
- ACP Comments on Draft CDC Guideline on Use of Opioids for Chronic Pain 1/13/2016
Tobacco Use and Vaping
Additional Advocacy Efforts
- Joint Letter Supporting a Ban on Tobacco Use in Major League Baseball Stadiums 8/23/2021
- Joint Letter to Reps. DeLauro and Granger Opposing Efforts to Restrict FDA Authority to Regulate Tobacco Products 6/30/2021
- Letter to House Members in Support of Legislation to Make Veterans Health Association Facilities Smoke-Free 6/7/2021
- Letter to Senate Members in Support of Legislation to Make Veterans Health Association Facilities Smoke-Free 6/7/2021
- ACP Strongly Supports FDA’s Plan to Ban Menthol Cigarettes In the U.S. 4/29/2021>
- Letter to the FDA Supporting a Ban on Menthol Cigarettes and Other Non-Tobacco Flavored Tobacco Products 3/3/2021
- Joint Letter Regarding Funding for CDC's Office on Smoking and Health 12/2/2020
- Joint Letter to FDA in Support of Banning Use of Menthol in Tobacco Products 11/9/2020
- Joint Letter to Rep. Blunt Rochester Supporting Quit Because of COVID-19 Act 7/10/2020
- Joint Letter to House Appropriations Committee Regarding FDA Regulation of Tobacco 7/7/2020
- Joint Letter to House of Representatives Appropriators Supporting Funding for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health 3/9/2020
- Joint Letter to Senate Appropriators Supporting Funding for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health 3/9/2020
- Joint Statement for Removal of Flavored E-Cigarettes from the Market 11/18/19
- ACP Statement to HELP Committee Regarding E-Cigarette Use Hearing 11/13/19
- Joint Letter to First Lady Trump Urging E-Cigarette Flavor Ban 10/29/19
- Joint Letter to HHS Secretary Azar Urging E-Cigarette Flavor Ban 10/29/2019
- Joint Principles to Reduce Death and Disease from Tobacco Products10/18/19
- Letter to President Trump on Removing Flavored E-Cigarettes from the Market 10/18/19
- Joint Principles to Reduce Death and Disease from Tobacco Products 10/18/19
- Joint Letter to Congress on Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes 10/16/2019
- Joint Letter to FDA on the Required Warnings for Cigarettes Packages and Advertisements Proposed Rule 10/15/2019
- Letter to President Trump Expressing Support for a Ban on Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems 9/24/2019
- Letter to First Lady Trump Expressing Support for a Ban on Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems 9/24/2019
- ACP Supports Surgeons' General Call to Address Health Consequences of Tobacco Use in the U.S. Military 5/9/2019
- Internists Support Bill Reducing Rate of Cigarette Use Among Youth 5/22/2019
- ACP Letter of Support for S. 1541, the Tobacco-Free Youth Act 5/22/2019
- Joint Letter Supporting the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 5/16/2019
- Joint Letter to FDA regarding Modifications to Compliance Policy for Certain Deemed Products Draft Guidance 4/30/2019
- Joint Letters to House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee on Funding for CDC Office on Smoking and Health 3/14/2019
- Joint Letters to House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee regarding Funding for FDA Tobacco-related Activities 3/14/2019
- Joint Letter to Office of U.S. Trade Representative regarding Tobacco Control Provisions in U.S.-United Kingdom Trade Agreement 1/15/2019
- Internists Encouraged by Surgeon General's Declaration That Youth E-Cigarette Use is an Epidemic 12/20/2018
- ACP Encouraged by FDA Plans to Begin Regulatory Process to Ban Menthol in Tobacco Products 11/15/2018
- ACP Comment Letter to FDA regarding Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Combusted Cigarettes 7/16/2018
- ACP Comments on FDA's Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products Notice 7/19/2018
- Joint Letter to FDA Regarding the Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Combusted Cigarettes Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 5/21/2018
- Joint Letter to House Appropriations Committee on Funding for FDA Tobacco Oversight Activities 5/4/2018
- Joint Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee on Funding for FDA Tobacco Oversight Activities 5/4/2018