Leland Bill
At the time of his death, Rep. Mickey Leland was preparing to reintroduce his International Health Service Corps Act, which would establish a force of 200 volunteer health professionals to be deployed at the request of developing countries to work with them in building long-term solutions to health care problems and to respond to emergencies.
Leland’s idea received strong support from the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and from Surgeon General Koop. Several California congressmen including (Democrats Henry) Waxman, (Robert) Matsui, (Howard) Berman, and (Don) Edwards agreed to co-sponsor the act.
With Leland’s passing we can only hope that some among his colleagues who have shared his vision will carry his dream onward.
DR. DAVID BISHAI
Resident, Dept. of Pediatrics
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
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