Representative McAdams Honored with the 2020 Champion of Health Care Innovation Award
December 4, 2020
In a virtual December 3 ceremony, the American Life Sciences Innovation Council (ALSIC), BioUtah and several state and local-based patient organizations, presented Rep. Ben McAdams (UT-4) with the 2020 Champion of Health Care Innovation Award. The award recognizes McAdams for his work in Congress to protect and nurture the important policies that position Utah and America as a global leading force in the innovative life sciences.
During the industry’s push to end the medical device task, McAdams led a critical effort in the Democrat House of Representatives to get repeal legislation over the finish line.
“BioUtah was proud to be on hand to honor Rep. McAdams with this well-deserved award,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah. “From his first day in office, he worked closely with our organization and recognized the importance of our life sciences industry to patient care and Utah’s economy. We appreciate his support.”
Others groups on hand for the presentation included the Inclusion Center, People’s Health Clinic, First Step House and The Kenney Group.
“Congressman McAdams made it a priority to work in a bipartisan fashion to effectively move legislation forward that was important to the life sciences industry and improving healthcare,” said Kelly McAleer, account executive with The Kenney Group, a strategic government affairs/public relations group with a presence in Utah.
In a letter to McAdams announcing the award, ALSIC stated, “In considering Members of Congress and the Senate who are deserving of recognition for their efforts, ALSIC prioritized strong and consistent leadership in support of medical progress and an environment in which America’s innovative life sciences industry can thrive.”
The letter went on to say that “predictable reimbursement in Medicare and other government programs, a vibrant free market that enables investment in the most risk-intensive areas of research, strong intellectual property protection for discoveries, protections against international reference pricing which artificially suppresses the value of innovation, and a predictable, efficient, and effective regulatory environment are all key areas of consideration to making the American life sciences the world’s leader.”