Prepared Remarks of Elizabeth M. Duke, Ph.D.
Acting Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration
HRSA Commissioned Corps Promotion Ceremony
Rockville, Md.
June 25, 2001
I am delighted to join you in celebrating the
achievements of the 41 members of HRSA’s Commissioned Corps who are
being promoted today.
My three months as HRSA’s administrator
have been a fascinating exercise in intensive learning. Even today I continue to be surprised and impressed by the
broad range of responsibility HRSA has in maintaining and improving
public health in the United States.
But
the most lasting impression I have of the past three months is of
HRSA’s skilled employees. Rarely
does one find in an organization so many qualified and dedicated professionals. This professionalism, of course, is personified by the members
of the Commissioned Corps we at HRSA are fortunate to call our own.
At
HRSA, Commissioned Corps members play a vital role in fulfilling our
mission of improving Americans’ access to quality health care. Your work at HRSA keeps vibrant and fresh the Commissioned
Corps legacy -- now stretching into its third century of service –
of caring for needy people whenever they arrive on U.S. soil.
In
the 18th century, your predecessors treated sick and injured
merchant seamen in East Coast and inland ports. Today, Corps members in HRSA’s Division of Immigration Health
Services promote global health by caring for migrants at 11 entry
points stretching from California to Puerto Rico. Other Corps members work diligently to improve the health of
residents along the U.S. border with Mexico.
In
the 19th century, Commissioned Corps responsibilities were
expanded to include control of infectious disease and public health
activities. Today, at
HRSA, Corps members fight HIV, make sure children are immunized, and
oversee the care of the
poorest and most vulnerable among us in community health centers and
clinics.
HRSA’s
work – your work – improves the lives of millions. To those of you being honored today, I thank you for your valuable
contributions. I am proud
and humbled to lead such an outstanding group of public servants.
Thank
you and congratulations.
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