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Merlin K. Du Val, M.D.
. .8026 East Marlette Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85016 . 602/954-6349

April 10, 1991

Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D.
Director

National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894

Dear Don,

I received your note of April 1 and regret the delay in my reply.
I've been out of town trying to clear up some family matters and
this has delayed me. I hope you have not been inconvenienced.

The i@ea of having a meeting to do a little reviewing of the
Regiognal Medical Programs is fascinating, and I am prepared to
help in any way I can. I do have some thoughts. When Vernon
wilson was the Administrator at HSMHA (the agency that included
NIMH, CDC, the predecessors to HRSA and HRDA. etc.,) he set up a
committee to advise him on how to "integrate" Comprehensive
Health Planning, the National Health Services and Research
Development program and Regional Medical Programs. This became
the

foundation for the National Health Planning and Development Act
that created Certificates of Need, Health Systems Agencies, etc.
As I recall it, the committe was chaired by Bill Willard, and
included John Hogness, Ed Pellegrino, Nathan Stark, Joe English,
and myself. There may have been one more, but that can be

checked with Nathan, Ed or Verne.

Later, I moved into the Assistant Secretary slot and the last
item we deleted from the president's budget for the next year was
RMP's. This provoked much discussion-more on this later if you
wish. What's even more important was it's evolution beginning
with the original concept as proposed by Mike DeBakey, and
followed by its total transition to a new entity after much
pressure was exerted by the AMA. Mike should be asked to be
present, as should some of the early directors such as Bob

Marston.

I have no problem with the date for your meeting. what I cannot
do, however, is meet the expenses. I'm fully retired now and
have no income. I'll participate if you can help with the
expenses. Failing that, I'll be glad to make myself available

for a phone or other type of interview.

Thanks again for your note. It was good to hear from you. Until

next time, warmest regards.

Sincerely,

[feral