[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1197]]



                      50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CDC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, 1996, the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention [CDC]--the Nation's prevention agency--will 
celebrate its 50th anniversary. This represents 50 years of commitment 
to improvement in the public health, a commitment that has been carried 
out by a dedicated and highly professional work force.
  Over the years, I have been a strong supporter of this unique Federal 
agency. Along with my colleagues, I have helped authorize and expand 
CDC prevention programs which have made and will continue to make 
significant improvements in the public's health. These programs 
include: immunization, HIV prevention, tuberculosis control, lead-paint 
poisoning prevention, and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality 
Prevention Program, to name a few.
  Throughout that period, and indeed its entire history, CDC's 
scientists and epidemiologists have responded to countless challenges 
domestically and around the world, including Legionnaire's disease, 
environmental and workplace hazards, smallpox, plague, and Ebola.
  In recognition of this 50-year milestone, I am pleased to share with 
my colleagues a message from CDC's distinguished Director, Dr. David 
Satcher. I heartily commend the CDC for its accomplishments and look 
forward to its achievements in the next 50 years.

Remarks by Dr. David Satcher, Director, at the 50th Anniversary of the 
                                  CDC

       During 1996, Atlanta will be the site of several events of 
     worldwide significance--the Centennial Olympics, the 
     Paralympic Games, the 200th anniversary of the development of 
     the vaccine ultimately responsible for the eradication of 
     smallpox, and the 50th anniversary of the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention [CDC].
       As CDC celebrates a half century of public health 
     excellence, we are mindful of the skill and courage of these 
     early public health pioneers, who risked their lives in order 
     to address environmental hazards and control diseases such as 
     smallpox, polio, malaria, and diphtheria. We are honored to 
     continue on in their work and committed to the difficult 
     challenges that lie ahead.
       CDC has contributed to the control of infectious diseases 
     such as the Ebola outbreak in Africa and tuberculosis in the 
     United States. We also have protected workers from 
     environmental hazards, improved early detection and control 
     systems for breast cancer and cervical cancer, recommended 
     fortification of foods with folic acid to prevent birth 
     defects, and conducted research to identify potential dangers 
     of airbags to infants.
       Now, more than ever, public health programs and services 
     are needed to ensure the best possible health for everyone. 
     Providing safe living and work environments, developing 
     methods to immunize populations against infectious diseases, 
     and maintaining good prenatal care for expectant mothers are 
     vital endeavors. Prevention measures and interventions can 
     mean the difference not only between life and death but also 
     in the quality of life.
       In meeting these challenges, we will work closely with our 
     traditional partners--local and state health departments, 
     departments of education, voluntary and professional 
     organizations, partnerships with churches, schools, and 
     businesses. CDC brings to these partnerships a comprehensive, 
     systematic approach to health promotion and disease 
     prevention and expertise in laboratory science, epidemiology, 
     surveillance, infectious disease control, environmental and 
     occupational safeguards, and quality assurance.
       The anniversary is a milestone for our Nation. It is a 
     sobering reminder of the challenges we face as we enter the 
     21st century, when, clearly, public health will be a global 
     concern. Increased disruption to the tropical environment 
     will result in diseases that are no longer contained in a 
     localized habitat but, rather, migrate with their human hosts 
     to cities and neighboring continents. The mobility of people, 
     through air travel, natural disaster, or civil war, is 
     reshaping the routes of infection and the course of 
     epidemics.
       Our work and that of our partners during CDC's first 50 
     years has contributed to powerful scientific discovery and 
     momentous public health achievements that have improved 
     health throughout the world. As we review our past 
     accomplishments, we are proud. As we look forward to our 
     exciting future, we are energized.
       CDC's 50th Anniversary Celebration is an excellent 
     opportunity to reinforce our commitment to our vision, 
     ``Healthy People in the Healthy World Through Prevention''.

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