Susan Brooks honored by Indiana Health Industry Forum

U.S. Rep. Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) received the Indiana Health Industry Forum’s (IHIF) Legislator of the Year Award for 2015 on Friday.

The award is given each year to a legislator who displays a commitment to excellence in designing and implementing public health policy, and serving Indiana’s health science professional community.

“I am so honored to receive this award from an organization that rightfully claims to represent the collective voice of Indiana’s health and life science industry,” Brooks said. “IHIF’s diverse membership employs thousands of Hoosiers, and generates impactful technologies and treatments that make a difference in people’s lives. I will continue working with IHIF to support medical innovation, enhance patient data security, build a future ready workforce and reinforce Indiana’s position as a central hub for health and life science productivity.”
  
After receiving the award, Brooks gave an update on the 21st Century Cures Initiative, a project that she and the other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are working hard to develop.

“IHIF has provided critical input during both listening sessions I have held on 21st Century Cures,” Brooks said. “This House Energy and Commerce Committee initiative proves that meaningful bipartisan collaboration can propel solutions that will make life better for millions of Americans. As we move forward on our path to cures, I know Indiana’s health and life science industry will embrace this opportunity to accelerate the pace of medical breakthroughs and spur job creation and economic growth.”

For the past year, members of the Energy and Commerce Committee have hosted many hearings and roundtable discussions regarding the 21st Century Cures initiative, offering a large number of stakeholders the chance to provide feedback and ideas to involved policymakers. This fits with the mission of the IHIF, creating an environment where Indiana exists as a premier location for the health industry to flourish.