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Representative Greg Walden
843 East Main Street, Suite 400
Medford, OR 97504

Dear Representative Walden,

The holiday season is the perfect time to honor our valued family caregivers by enacting the Lifespan Respite Care Act (HR 1083, S. 538). As a [family caregiver, member of state respite coalition or supporting organization, or respite provider], I am writing to urge your support for the Senate-passed Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2003 (S. 538), championed by Senator Warner (R-VA), which has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. We appreciate your sponsorship of HR 1083, and ask that you urge your colleagues on Energy and Commerce to discharge the Senate-passed bill quickly for House floor consideration.
Over 25 million caregivers nationwide currently provide about $250 billion worth of continuous care to their loved ones, including young children, adult children, spouses and aging family members and friends with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Respite has been shown to help alleviate stress associated with caregiving, sustain families and marriages, and delay or avoid more costly out-of-home placements. Swift enactment of S. 538 in celebration of the New Year will help make respite available and accessible to family caregivers, and would honor the nation’s family caregivers by helping them continue to provide this care at home.
Sincerely,