TB Advocacy
Tuberculosis is one of the greatest infectious causes of death of adults worldwide, killing nearly 2 million people each year. Ten to 15 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with latent tuberculosis, which can become both infectious and deadly at any time. As Santa Clara County has one of the highest rates of TB in the country, we at Breathe California are dedicated to fighting tuberculosis by advocating for legislation at the national, state and local level to reduce the impact of the disease on our community. We are currently asking for your help in supporting two pieces of federal legislation that, if passed, would help fund this cause.
HR 5836, known as The Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2006, will give the US Public Health Service the resources and authority it needs to eliminate TB in our country and play a leading role in eliminating tuberculosis throughout the world. It does this by increasing funds for TB prevention and control, research, training and education programs at the Center for Disease Control. Also, it expands research and training programs at the National Institute of Health.
Another important piece of legislation in fighting tuberculosis is the Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006, which is being carried in companion bills HR 5022 and S 2465. This bill amends The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase assistance for the prevention, treatment, and control of tuberculosis. It also authorizes the President to provide increased funds for the World Health Organization and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to implement programs to stop TB in countries with high infection rates.
This legislation forms a two-pronged strategy in stopping the spread of TB both here and abroad. More money will allow us the resources needed to limit this disease and also help eliminate the growing threat of the dangerous multi-drug resistant TB. Please join Breathe California and write your representative to urge them to support these critical acts to stop TB today.
To Find your local Congressman, visit www.house.gov.
To Find your local Senator, visit www.senate.gov.