Contact:  Alison Beckwith | 202-536-4077 | phamedia@ecius.net for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association

PHA Informs Lawmakers on
Tom Lantos PH Research and Education Act
Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) to receive Distinguished Public Service Award

What: The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), the national center for advocacy and education about pulmonary hypertension, is holding its 6^th annual Congressional luncheon to inform lawmakers and their staff about issues surrounding pulmonary hypertension and the Tom Lantos PH Research and Education Act of 2009.

The luncheon will bring together more than 60 participants including lawmakers and their staff, medical professionals, patients, and caregivers.  PHA will present its 2009 Distinguished Public Service Award to Rep. Brady (R-TX) and Rep. Capps (D-CA) for their role in championing the Tom Lantos PH Research and Education Act of 2009 and other pulmonary hypertension-related legislative priorities.

Who:     - Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX)

                 - Rino Aldrighetti, president and CEO, PH

                 - Paul Hassoun, MD, director, pulmonary hypertension program, Johns Hopkins University

                 - Jeannette Morrill, pulmonary hypertension patient, Shirley Mills, ME

When:   Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where:  The Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, Members of Congress Room

Background Information: Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) is the primary sponsor of the Tom Lantos PH Research and Education Act of 2009, which serves to increase funding for pulmonary hypertension research through the National Institute of Health and increase funding for medical and public awareness of pulmonary hypertension through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are currently 30 co-sponsors in the House.  The Tom Lantos PH Research and Education Act of 2007 passed in the House during the 110^th Congress.

About The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)
Headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., PHA is the country’s leading organization connecting pulmonary hypertension patients, families, and medical professionals. Its mission is to find ways to prevent and cure pulmonary hypertension and provide hope for the community through support, education, advocacy and awareness. PHA provides free access to information on its Web site about pulmonary hypertension and facilitates over 200 support groups around the nation, helping many of the estimated 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. To learn more, visit: www.PHAssociation.org