HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY, MICHAEL LEAVITT, DISCUSSES VALUE DRIVEN HEALTH CARE

Los Angeles, CA ? Wednesday, February 14, 2007 ? The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary, US Department of Health & Human Services will describe his initiative of value driven health care to Town Hall Los Angeles on February 20, 2007, at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Leavitt's appearance provides Angelenos the opportunity to become familiar with the administration's policies on health care.

In a recent article in the Washington Post Leavitt wrote, "There are many ways the administration and Congress can work together to make health care more affordable and accessible. But undermining the Medicare prescription drug benefit, which has improved the lives and health of millions of seniors and people with disabilities, is not one of them."

Leavitt was sworn in as the 20^th Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services on January 26, 2005. Prior to his current position, Leavitt served as head of the US Environmental Protection Agency and was a three-term governor of Utah.

Leavitt outlined the challenges facing President Bush's new health care proposal adding that the current approach "is not a very efficient system. There is a better way to deal with this. And our desire is to have a discussion in each state on how best to deal with charity care. We need a charity care system."

In 2006, Town Hall continued its historical focus on health care. In October, Larry Glasscock, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, WellPoint, Inc. discussed advances in health care management. In December, The Honorable Tommy G. Thompson, former HHS Secretary, spoke on the impact of emerging technologies on health care.

For 70 years, Town Hall Los Angeles has promoted civic participation, pride and awareness. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit forum, we encourage a public discussion on issues of regional, national, and international significance. To stay informed on health care, join Town Hall.

All members of the media are invited to cover this event.

**Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.

When: Tuesday, February 20, 2007, 8:00 AM Breakfast, 8:00-9:30 AM Address, Q&A

Where: National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, 111 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA? 90012

Note to reporters and editors: The organization uses the full name: Town Hall Los Angeles. Please do not make generic as in 'town hall.'? Media RSVP to Deborah Weinberg at Town Hall 213.312.9307 or [email protected].