OKLAHOMA CITY – Representative Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, was honored among other elected officials, with the ‎prestigious "Committed to Care & Access Award" at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) 2024 ‎Conference, held from December 2-7 in Washington, D.C. 

This award recognizes Rep. Pittman's exceptional ‎dedication and unwavering commitment to reducing health care access barriers and ensuring equitable health services for all.‎

‎“It was a pleasure to attend NBCSL’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) and to have the honor of sponsoring a ‎reception that celebrated the remarkable Health Champions within NBCSL,” said Kristen Crawford, Head of Strategic Alliance, Amgen. “These Champions have tirelessly ‎worked to ensure that underserved and marginalized communities benefit from the advancements in the health ‎industry. Their dedication and hard work are truly ‎inspiring and vital for the progress we strive to achieve. Amgen, Compassion & Choices, GSK, Gilead, Johnson & ‎Johnson, Merck, PhRMA, and Sanofi, are deeply committed to addressing and ending health disparities, and we ‎recognize that equitable access to quality healthcare is essential for global health and are devoted to making this a ‎reality.

‎“Rep. Ajay Pittman has been a vocal advocate for legislation aimed at expanding healthcare coverage, improving ‎access to essential medical services, and addressing the disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Their efforts have helped secure critical resources to improve health outcomes and ensure that ‎individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the opportunity to receive the care they need.”‎

In accepting the award, Rep. Ajay Pittman stated, "I am deeply honored to receive the Committed to Care & ‎Access Award. Ensuring equitable access to health care is not just a professional responsibility, but a personal ‎mission. I believe healthcare is a fundamental right, and I will continue to fight for policies that make healthcare ‎accessible to all, especially to those who need it most."‎

The NBCSL conference brought together state legislators, policy experts, and community leaders from across the ‎country to address key issues impacting Black communities, including health care, economic development, and ‎education. Pittman's recognition underscores their leadership in championing health equity and their ‎unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of their constituents.‎

‎“The award, presented by a coalition of leading health care organizations, including Amgen, Compassion & ‎Choices, Gilead, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, PhRMA, and Sanofi, celebrates Rep. Ajay Pittman's tireless work ‎in advocating for comprehensive health care policies that prioritize the needs of underserved communities, along ‎with Rep. Greg Porter, Indiana, Rep Billy Mitchell, Georgia, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Maryland and ‎Representative Herald Love, Tennessee,” said Crawford.‎

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