[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SALUTING THE CLEVELAND COUNCIL OF BLACK NURSES--25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute an organization in my 
congressional district which is celebrating an important anniversary. 
On September 30, 1995, members of the Cleveland Council of Black 
Nurses, Inc., will gather at the Sheraton-Cleveland City Center Hotel 
in Cleveland, to host its 25th anniversary ball. Since its founding, 
the Council of Black Nurses has been a catalyst in promoting health 
delivery in the black community. As a health advocate, I enjoy a close 
working relationship with the Council of Black Nurses. It is for this 
reason that I rise to salute the organization on the occasion of its 
anniversary. I want to share with my colleagues and the Nation some 
important information regarding the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses.
  The Cleveland Council of Black Nurses was organized in January, 1972. 
Its birth followed the formation the National Black Nurses Association, 
also in Cleveland, and other black nursing organizations throughout the 
country. The Council adopted several important missions. This included 
providing a vehicle for the unification of black nurses; and 
investigating, defining, determining, and implementing change in the 
health delivery system for minorities in Cleveland. To achieve its 
objectives, the organization formed standing committees, including the 
Committee on Health Education and Community Service; Research; and 
Recruitment and Retention, just to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years, the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses 
has been a driving force in the health care arena. The organization has 
provided educational programs for nurses and the general public, and 
coordinated health-related community service activities. The 
organization has sponsored town hall meetings, health workshops, and 
screenings. These events have focused on diabetes education, cancer 
awareness, glaucoma and cardiovascular screenings, and other health 
issues which impact the black community. From a historical perspective, 
it is interesting to note that the blood pressure screening tests which 
are now conducted on citizens around the country, were first utilized 
in Cleveland by the Council of Nurses.
  The Cleveland Council of Black Nurses has also played a leading role 
in the education field, providing scholarships, tutoring, and mentoring 
for students enrolled in nursing programs. The organization was the 
recipient of the 1994 Community Service Award for its extensive service 
to the Cleveland community.
  Mr. Speaker, as I rise to salute the Cleveland Council of Black 
Nurses, I recall that, 25 years ago, when black nurses gathered in 
Cleveland to form an advocacy organization to promote health delivery 
in the black community, I was chosen to address the gathering. Today, I 
want to recognize the founder of the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses, 
Mattiedna Johnson, a dynamic and national known individual who has 
devoted her life to greater health awareness and research. I also 
salute the organization's current president, Rachel Freeman, and the 
many members of the Council of Black Nurses. I am proud of my close 
association with this distinguished organization, and I extend my best 
wishes as the Council of Black Nurses marks this important anniversary.

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