[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO JESTENE McCORD, A PIONEER IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH CARE

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
join with my colleagues in commemorating the beginning of Black History 
Month by paying tribute to one of Wisconsin's truly outstanding African 
American women, Ms. Jestene McCord.
  As the director of urban affairs for Aurora Health Care, Jestene is a 
tireless advocate for the people of Milwaukee and cities throughout 
Wisconsin. In addition to her work at Aurora, Jestene devotes her time 
and expertise to several key Wisconsin organizations. Jestene is the 
chairwoman of the Private Industry Council Board. She also serves on 
the State Maternal and Child Health Program Advisory Committee, the 
Milwaukee Area Health Education Centers of Wisconsin board, the UW-
Milwaukee School of Nursing advisory council, the National Black Nurses 
executive committee, and the Wisconsin Black Health Coalition advisory 
council. In addition, Jestene chairs the Milwaukee Breast Cancer 
Awareness Project advisory board which received a Thousand Points of 
Light award from former President Bush for its unfailing energy in 
fighting for a breast cancer cure.
  Jestene's record of community service is as equally impressive as her 
professional endeavors. She has served as a personal mentor for many 
nursing students and developed a school-wide mentor program for 
Milwaukee's North Division High School. Jestene has further coordinated 
scores of community health fairs for Milwaukee public school students 
and at area senior centers--demonstrating that health care awareness is 
critical for people of all ages. Jestene is also a familiar face to 
most Wisconsin residents, routinely appearing on television and radio 
programs to discuss pressing health issues.
  Jestene has received several awards and commendations for her 
remarkable work, including the prestigious Health Advancement Award. 
Throughout my career in the Wisconsin State Legislature and here in 
Congress, I have seldom seen a person in public life who commands as 
much respect and admiration as Jestene. A countless number of elected 
officials and policymakers including myself, have come to rely on 
Jestene's expertise, and will continue to do so well into the future. 
Jestene is truly at the forefront of the health care profession, and 
her compassion and energy knows no bounds.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the 
accomplishments of Jestene McCord. The people of Milwaukee, and all of 
Wisconsin have indeed been blessed by her selfless devotion to both her 
profession and her community.

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