Washington, D.C. - April 25, 2012

Today, Women In Government launched the Care Coordination Policy Resource Center, a new web-based clearinghouse of educational materials and policy resources that bring together innovative solutions for coordinating the diverse aspects of healthcare to achieve high quality and cost-effective care.

In 2010, the United States spent $2.6 trillion dollars on public and private healthcare expenses. Treatment of chronic diseases accounted for more than 75 percent of that cost.

In light of these and many other compelling facts, Women In Government has created the Care Coordination Policy Resource Center. The Policy Resource Center will serve as a link between state legislators, policymakers, and key stakeholders to disseminate resources and information about innovative solutions for coordinating the diverse aspects of healthcare to achieve high quality and cost-effective care.

"Chronic diseases affect more than half of all Americans and costs our healthcare system trillions of dollars," said Marjorie Maginn, Women In Government President and Executive Director. "Informing state legislators about care coordination and how states, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders can work together to efficiently care for patients and prevent the occurrence of chronic disease is the first step in educating constituents and improving America's health."

With education materials tailored to a legislative audience, the Care Coordination Policy Resource Center will provide policymakers with the tools and knowledge necessary to support sound policies that help coordinate care through patient engagement, health information technology, care teams, medication and disease management programs, and opportunities for prevention. Access the Care Coordination Policy Resource Center to view these materials by visiting www.womeningovernment.org/care-coordination.

Women In Government Foundation is a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization leading the nation with a vision to empower and mobilize all women state legislators to effect sound policy. With over 20 years of experience working with state legislators, state agency representatives, and the public, Women In Government proudly hosts over 20 educational conferences annually to address the nation's public policy issues. For more information visit: www.womeningovernment.org.

Contact: Libby Derting, Director of Policy & Programs
Phone: 202-333-0825
E-mail: lderting@womeningovernment.org