124 STAT. 4712 PROCLAMATION 8580—OCT. 6, 2010 treatment to patients and their loved ones, and can be the principal care provider in rural or inner-city clinics, and other settings with pro- vider shortages. During National Physician Assistants Week, we honor these dedicated medical professionals and their essential role in pro- viding diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services to millions of American men, women, and children. With compassion matched by professionalism, physician assistants work as part of a team to provide vital support to both patients in need and the doctors who balance the care of many individuals. Recognizing their essential function in our medical system, we allocated more than $30 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund under the Af- fordable Care Act to expand the Physician Assistant Training Program, and to increase the number of physician assistants in primary care over the next 5 years. Primary care is the foundation of preventive health care, and we must support the training of hundreds of new physician assistants who can join the medical field and increase access to pro- viders and services in underserved areas. Our Nation needs a strong primary care workforce and the continued dedication of physician as- sistants in our hospitals, clinics, and medical offices to address the crucial health issues of our time. Countless American families have relied on the skill, concern, and commitment of physician assistants, in both joyous times and heart- wrenching circumstances. As we recognize their countless contribu- tions this week, we also pay tribute to the kind and meticulous care provided by all of America’s medical professionals. Our Nation is stronger because of these invaluable workers, and their efforts safe- guard a healthy future for all Americans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6 through October 12, 2010, as National Physician Assistants Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate cere- monies, activities, and programs that honor and foster appreciation for our physician assistants and all medical professionals. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fifth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8580 of October 6, 2010 German-American Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The American story has been written by those who have come to our shores in search of freedom, opportunity, and the chance at a better life. The German men and women who braved numerous perils to cross the Atlantic long ago left a legacy of millions of Americans of
