Congressman Cummings received the Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding leadership on healthcare from the National Minority Health Month Foundation on Wednesday, April 12.

The National Minority Health Month Foundation assists healthcare providers, administrators, policymakers,and community and faith-based organizations deliver precise health care services to high-risk communities by analyzing current information, organizing health care networks and managing minority health care resources.

David Lazarus was pleased to attend such an important event and believes that disadvantaged students and those in fostercare often have inadequate healthcare and as a result can negatively affect their ability to do well in school. A healthy mind and a healthy body can make a healthy and productive person which will result in a more healthy society.

Health issues have been at the top of Congressman Cummings' agenda since he entered public service more than 20 years ago. As a Maryland House Delegate, he addressed HIV/AIDS before the virus was widely discussed by the public. After being sworn in as a Member of the U.S. House, Congressman Cummings continued addressing HIV/AIDS, along with issues such as health care access, health disparities, and preventing medical errors. In addition, he continues to host health screenings and informational seminars on issues involving federal health programs.

"Health care must be recognized as a basic civil right in this country, "Congressman Cummings said. "I am deeply honored to have been selected to receive this award - but the fight to ensure that all Americans have access to high quality health care will continue until we choose to provide the universal health care our nation so desperately needs."