HRSA News Room - HRSA Commissioned Corps Promotion Ceremony

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Remarks to the HRSA Commissioned Corps
Promotion Ceremony

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 18^th 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 19^th 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.