FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2012 Contact: Rick Vitali Phone: (617) 901-‐3394 Email:
[email protected]
WE WORK FOR HEALTH MASSACHUSETTS ANNOUNCED TODAY
Grassroots Initiative Focusing on Biopharmaceutical Industry’s Contributions to the Massachusetts Economy and to the Health of the People of Massachusetts
BOSTON – Kevin D. Mahar, president of the General Electric Local 201 Retirees, and Bill Bradley, a former U.S. Dept. of Agriculture official, today announced the formation of the We Work For Massachusetts Coalition, that will focus on the biopharmaceutical industry’s contributions to the Massachusetts economy and to the health of the people of Massachusetts. The coalition, which includes organizations from the academic, business, labor, health care, and biotech sectors in the state, as well as community-‐based groups, will seek to educate our elected leaders, the news media and the communities they serve about the important contributions biopharmaceutical companies and their employees make to the health and economic security of individuals, local communities and to the state. Members who have joined We Work for Health Massachusetts include:
American Diabetes Association, New England (Boston office)
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
New England Athletes for Academic Excellence
Cerebral Palsy Association of Eastern Massachusetts
North Shore Latino Business Association
Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts
Laborers Local 243
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc.
Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
United Steelworkers, District 4, Sub-‐ District 5
Worcester Chamber of Commerce
Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio)
“It means a lot that We Work For Health is in our state,” said Kevin D. Mahar, We Work for Health Massachusetts co-‐chair. Mahar added, "As this coalition moves forward, we will consider seniors who need prescription drugs to improve their quality of life, as well as those who have contributed so much for so long into pension plans.” Active in 11 other states, including Connecticut and New Jersey, We Work For Health will highlight the important role that the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry plays to help citizens gain and maintain access to life-‐saving medicines, fight chronic disease and lead longer, healthier lives. The coalition will also lead in the research and development of new cures, educating and training the next generation skilled workforce, and fostering an environment for increased access to products and services that can improve health and quality of life. “This effort is important to remind ourselves and our political leaders that research and life science helps fuel economic growth throughout the state,” Peter Forman, president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “The success of these life-‐saving industries extends far beyond a few private companies or research hospitals in Boston and Cambridge. Some of the most exciting business stories today are small life science businesses that are scattered around the state today and will be adding new jobs tomorrow.” There are nearly 40,000 direct jobs in the pharmaceutical industry in Massachusetts, and more than 125,000 jobs supported by it. In all, more than $144 million is paid in state taxes as a result of the direct jobs. The biopharmaceutical industry spends more than $3.5 billion in research and development in Massachusetts on an annual basis. Kevin O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, noted: “This coalition is an important effort that will showcase the vital work the bioscience and technology sector does here in Massachusetts. We are the home to a thriving bioscience industry, first-‐class research institutions and a strong workforce. Massachusetts is the world leader in the life science industry.” “We Work for Health is another vehicle to reinforce our commitment to the life sciences community and the important work that they do to keep the people of our state healthy,” added O’Sullivan. Tim O’Leary, deputy director of the Massachusetts Association For Mental Health also noted, "The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health is proud to join We Work for Health in Massachusetts. We must continue to work to raise the standard of care for those suffering from or are in danger of developing mental disorders. To this end, we are delighted to be part of this effective coalition." As a vital economic partner, biopharmaceutical companies create and deliver significant benefits to their local communities. By creating high-‐paying jobs, providing growth opportunities for related industries, fostering higher education in science and math and generating tax revenue, Massachusetts’ biopharmaceutical companies create a strong foundation from which we can rebuild and grow our state economy—providing stability, and prosperity into the future. “Today marks the beginning of our efforts and we look forward to growing our coalition in the coming weeks and months,” concluded We Work For Health Co-‐Chair Bill Bradley. To learn more, visit www.WeWorkforHealth.org. ###
