[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        IN HONOR OF DONALD L. BROWN'S WORK ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN

                                 ______


                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the 
accomplishments of an outstanding individual who has done an 
exceptional job of working for the health and welfare of the children 
in the Washington metropolitan region and throughout the United States.
  On April 30 this year, Mr. Donald L. Brown, president of Children's 
National Medical Center, will conclude 10 years of service at the helm 
of that institution.
  Mr. Speaker, health care is one of the most critical issues facing 
America. The health of our children is paramount and we must invest in 
their well-being because they will determine the future of our Nation. 
Today, young people in our community have a strong and vibrant health 
care facility to serve them because of the commitment and foresight of 
Don Brown's leadership at Children's National Medical Center.
  Today, Children's Hospital rests on a solid, enduring foundation. Our 
children, including those who live in Prince George's, Charles, St. 
Mary's Calvert, and Anne Arundel Counties, which I represent, and 
children from throughout the region and, indeed, the country, continue 
to have access to one of the finest pediatric hospitals in the world. 
We owe a great deal of thanks to Don Brown for his effective 
leadership.
  Don began his association with Children's Hospital in 1984, when he 
joined the hospital as executive vice president and chief operating 
officer. In October 1986, he was named president and chief executive 
officer. Since then, he has provided outstanding leadership in guiding 
the development and growth of Children's Hospital.
  Born in Fort Sill, OK, Don graduated from Oklahoma State University 
in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and 
finance. Next, he received a master of business administration degree 
in 1978 from Central State University, in Edmond, OK. From 1965 to 
1968, Don spent 3 years of active duty as a commissioned officer in the 
U.S. Army, serving in both command and staff roles. As a member of a 
combat air assault helicopter company, he delivered troops to combat 
operations and flew dust-off missions, picking up wounded soldiers and 
taking them to appropriate evacuation hospitals in Vietnam. As he would 
tell you, this was his first experience in triage and trauma medicine.
  These events directed Don. He brought the Children's National Medical 
Center his practical life experience, his single-minded determination, 
his management skill, and his genuine vision for delivering the best 
possible pediatric health care.
  Mr. Speaker, the development of dozens of model national programs 
from child protection to trauma, and their consolidation at a 
financially sound and robust institution, illustrate the story of Don's 
10 years of leadership at Children's National Medical Center. The 
evidence of his clear vision abounds and is visible in the expansion of 
Children's clinical and research programs, as well as its financial 
management and physical plant modernization. Don Brown significantly 
expanded the financial base of Children's Hospital. Don has overseen a 
long range capital development plan, comprised of major fund-raising 
efforts for expansion of the hospital's facilities, research, and 
patient services. For example, the hospital has grown from 442,000 
square feet in 1986 to 617,000 square feet in 1993. Space for research 
has grown from 30,000 square feet in 1986 to 75,000 square feet in 
1993.
  In addition, under Don's leadership, Children's expanded a number of 
its clinical activities. The hospital developed a pediatric trauma 
service--a national model--to provide care to children suffering from 
serious injuries. A 17-member team responds each time a seriously 
injured child arrives at the hospital. Last year, more than 1,600 
children were admitted to Children's trauma service. The survival rate 
of trauma patients in the emergency room is more than 90 percent today.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe we all agree, Donald Brown has been the 
guiding light bringing the best possible service and medical treatment 
to children in our area. We, the people of the community, all owe a 
debt of gratitude for his years of dedicated service and join together 
in commending him for showing great determination and commitment to 
Children's Hospital. We thank you for your service and wish you all the 
best in your future endeavors.

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