Released on = March 21, 2007, 2:26 pm

Press Release Author = Senate (communications)

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Participants included Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison, Mel
Martinez, Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn and Michael Enzi with keynote speaker
Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez

Press Release Body = WASHINGTON [March 21, 2007] - Armando Cortinez with the
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) recently attended the National Hispanic
Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. The two day conference provided a forum for
approximately 350 Hispanic participants from across the country to discuss a range
of policy issues with members of the United States Congress and the Administration.
The conference participants were nominated to attend by their member of Congress.

"Bringing together Hispanic leaders and our federal officials for an open dialogue
and exchange of ideas is vital to our nation's continuing efforts to address the
most pressing issues affecting our families, communities, and nation," said Sen. Kay
Bailey Hutchison (TX), Summit organizer.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) addressed the delegates and
welcomed them to the summit. Sen. Mel Martinez (FL) joined Sen. Hutchison to update
the participants on legislative priorities in the 110th Congress; then he le a
session on the ideas of comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN)
spoke on education opportunities, Sen. Michael Enzi (WY) outlined plans for expanded
access to affordable, quality health care, and Sen. John Cornyn (TX) discussed
legislative proposals for continued economic growth. Participants engaged in
informative question and answer sessions following each panel.

Several members of President Bush's administration addressed the Summit's attendees,
including keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez. Dr. Emilio
Gonzalez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, spoke on
immigration devices reform; Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, Director of The National
Institutes of Health, addressed efforts to reduce minority health disparities; and
Sara Martinez Tucker, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, updated
attendees on programs to help minority students succeed.

"Hispanic achievements have greatly influenced America's policy-making, its
economic, medical, and artistic fields. Collaborating on and bringing forward more
ideas will continue to help shape our legislative agenda and a better quality of
life for all Americans," said Sen. Martinez.

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is a nonprofit organization committed to
supporting the Hispanic/Latino community. The NMDP works hard to help more Hispanic
and Latino patients receive the transplants that can save their lives. To learn more
about getting on the national registry or volunteer opportunities, call (800)
MARROW-2 (800-627-7692) or visit www.marrow.org.

Web Site = http://www.publicforuminstitute.org/nhls

Contact Details = Armando Cortinez
800-67-DONOR ext. 30
acortine@nmdp.org
www.marrow.org