NASA Releases Findings of Astron...( WASHINGTON Jan. 22 -- NASA will ...),Health

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA will release a report on an astronaut and flight surgeon health care survey Wednesday and hold a media teleconference to discuss the report at 2 p.m. EST.

In February 2007, NASA requested an independent external committee conduct a comprehensive review of health services available to astronauts. At the same time, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, began an internal assessment of behavioral medicine practices for astronauts. In response to the findings of both reviews, NASA decided to gather additional data through an anonymous survey of astronauts and flight surgeons. The final report of the survey will be used to develop specific action plans to address any needed changes in NASA's organizational policies and procedures governing astronaut health care.

The news conference participants are:

- Dr. Richard S. Williams, chief health and medical officer, NASA Headquarters, Washington

- Dr. Jeff Davis, director, Space Life Sciences Directorate, Johnson Space Center

- Ellen Ochoa, deputy director, Johnson Space Center

Reporters wanting to participate in the teleconference should call the Johnson Space Center Newsroom at 281-483-5111 to confirm participation and receive dial-in information. The report will be available online at 1 p.m. Wednesday at:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/astronautreport.html

Live audio of the teleconference will be available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio