WASHINGTON — July 12, 2007.  Today, the American Medical Association fulfilled a $1 million pledge to the National Health Musum in Washington, D.C., with a check for $900,000, an important step to aid in the creation of both the museum's virtual and physical components. The AMA previously gave $100,000 to the museum. The Museum will be a worldwide center devoted to sharing health-related achievements, challenges, and history.

"The American Medical Association is proud to be a sponsor of the National Health Museum, an enterprise dedicated to helping patients learn more about living longer, healthier lives," said AMA President Ron Davis, MD. "As Americans continue to suffer from preventable health problems such as obesity and smoking-related illness, educational tools such as the National Health Museum can help better educate patients on the best ways to stay healthy."

The National Health Museum will provide visitors with a tour of health and life science through the museum's "experience zones." These areas will focus on the world history of health, the ways the human body heals, and the world of sports and recreation. A unique collection of virtual and physical activities will be available for visitors, with attractions available both online in the National Health Museum CyberMuseum and on display in the physical Experience Museum.

"The AMA looks forward to working with the National Health Museum to give the wonders of medicine the attention and dedication they deserve through this national landmark," said Dr. Davis. "The continued efforts to establish the museum are exciting and positive developments for health care worldwide."

For more information, please contact:
Mollie Turner
Public Information Officer
AMA Media Relations
(202) 789-7430