Dear Friends:

Louis W. Sullivan, MD

Further evidence was released recently that shows our nation to be failing at a critical task. According to the ACT college entrance exam, only 26% of the graduating high school seniors in the United States who took the recent ACT college entrance exams are adequately prepared for college biology. In other words, only about a quarter of this year's college-bound youth are likely to muster a "C" or higher in their freshman biology course. There is no easy explanation or quick remedy for this reality. What is certain, though, is that we can and we must do better.

The United States leads the world in our biomedical enterprise. We have the best scientists, invest the most dollars to discover new knowledge, and have a vibrant private sector research and development sector that is at the forefront of innovation in new medical devices, pharmaceuticals and improved therapies. The global gains made in average life expectancy over the past century are owed in no small part to scientific skills developed and nurtured in our schools and laboratories. But, symbolically and functionally, we are placing our nation's leadership in peril by not adequately supporting health science literacy.

This is about to change. A group of committed Americans is working to create the National Health Museum, a place of learning devoted to inspiring the next generation of life scientists and health professionals. This unique museum will employ educational media technologies and informal learning strategies that will bring the health sciences to life for a wide audience. Its future home in Washington will include state-of-the-art exhibits and programs, as well as classroom facilities for visiting groups. Its global conference center will include a forum to bring together scientists, policy makers, and consumers for dialogue and announcements of medical breakthroughs.

The Museum is already working to achieve its mission by disseminating Web-based teaching tools to increase science literacy. Its award-winning Web site for health and life science teachers, Access Excellence @ The National Health Museum, averages a monthly audience of more than 1 million unique visitors. As the Museum's facility takes shape, our CyberMuseum presence will be expanded to achieve rich educational synergies between the Museum's real and virtual learning venues.

A strong coalition of supporters has organized behind the National Health Museum and is working to secure a prominent site. Joined in this effort are leading philanthropies, organizations, corporate benefactors and modern day health and medical pioneers. A National Health Museum can contribute mightily to the goal we all share of a healthier, better educated society. We must move quickly and with resolve. We owe future generations of Americans nothing less.

Sincerely,
Louis W. Sullivan, MD, Chairman, National Health Museum