[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 80 (Monday, May 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   SALUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH 
                               INSTITUTE

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                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 1995
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to commend the University of South Dakota for taking part 
in an effort to assist children with their pain and fear over the 
horrible and cruel bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building. This 
monstrous act, which killed and injured so many of our fellow citizens 
and brought sadness to so many Americans, has also scared and altered 
the innocent minds of our children. In contrast to this heinous act of 
cruelty, countless men and women all over our country have unselfishly 
given their time and prayers to those affected by bombing, and I am 
particularly proud of the University of South Dakota's efforts to 
comfort and ease the pain of children who feel unsafe as a result of 
the Oklahoma City bombing.
  The University's Disaster Mental Health Institute has teamed up with 
the American Red Cross, the American Psychological Association, AT&T, 
and other health professionals from the region to operate the Children 
Heal Hotline, a 5-day nationwide crisis telephone line for children. I 
am extremely proud of USD's efforts to pull America together in order 
to help our children and I think the establishment of the crisis line 
for children is an excellent example of how people and organizations 
all over our country have come together to do what ever possible to 
offer assistance to our fellow citizens who are victims of the tragedy 
which took place in Oklahoma City.
  The Disaster Mental Health Institute at USD has reached out and 
helped countless South Dakotans deal with the floods and related 
difficulties associated with the floods of the past years and I am 
pleased that other Americans will benefits from the great work done at 
the Institute. It is organizations like USD, and their efforts, which 
give us hope for our future, and restore our faith in mankind. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing and saluting the University of 
South Dakota for their outstanding service and devotion to our 
children.


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