The supporters of Regional Medical Programs (RMP) had won the battle to obtain funds for fiscal year 1974, but they had no lasting success. Late in 1974, Congress passed the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1975 (Public Law 93-641), which combined into one local organization the functions formerly carried out by the RMP and various other programs. Over the next year, the RMP were phased out of existence. But the Programs left a rich legacy; in Stephen Strickland's words, they "inspired more productive conversations and cooperative ventures among health care providers and educators, officials and lay citizens, . . . than any other source or force."