Thomas Jefferson once remarked that health is the first requisite after morality. The overall survival of our Nation depends in large measure on the health of its people. We can only be strong, prosperous, productive people to the extent that we are also a healthy people.
Health is related to many things–good jobs, adequate housing, good education-but no society can achieve good health without an adequate health care system that responds to the needs of people, regardless of where they live or their economic or social station in life.
Remarks at the Swearing In of Two Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Officials.
July 1, 1975
http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/document/0248/whpr19750701-015.pdf
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=5039#axzz2ffnW3qPb