The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act, legislation that Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in introducing, overwhelmingly passed the House included in the EMPOWER Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 2781). This legislation will provide funding for colleges and universities to make physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology programs more accessible to underrepresented communities, including those who are racial or ethnic minorities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

McMorris Rodgers said when she joined Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) in introducing the bill, “I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of occupational therapy, speech pathology, and physical therapy in helping people to live more full and independent lives. When people from underserved areas go into these fields, they are more likely to serve our rural communities. This bill will help better serve Eastern Washington and the people who rely on these allied health professionals.”