[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR DR. LINDA ERWIN

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Linda 
Erwin of Portland, Oregon, for her career as both a gifted medical 
professional and as a tireless and dedicated educator. As one of the 
first healthcare professionals in the Pacific Northwest to recognize 
that gun violence is a public health issue, Dr. Erwin has just been 
awarded the National Crime Prevention Council's Ameritech Award of 
Excellence in Crime Prevention. She is one of only seven people 
throughout the Nation to receive this honor.
  Dr. Erwin is currently the Assistant Director of Trauma Services at 
Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and it was through her experiences as a trauma 
surgeon that she first became aware of the need for increased education 
about violence--especially gun violence. Dr. Erwin has taken advantage 
of her position, education, and talents to reach beyond the trauma room 
to educate young people throughout the Pacific Northwest.
  While working in England for two years, Dr. Erwin treated a total of 
two patients for gunshot wounds. Upon returning to Portland, she was 
struck by the high numbers of gunshot wound patients being treated each 
year at Emanuel Hospital. After speaking with victims and their 
families and friends, she realized that most young people did not 
recognize or understand the consequences of their risky behavior. Since 
then, Dr. Erwin has worked as a leading advocate for gun violence 
prevention, intervention and education.
  One of the keys to Dr. Erwin's success has been her ability to create 
partnerships. Many of the programs that she has initiated bring 
together and combine the efforts of the medical, legal, law 
enforcement, and education communities as well as non-profit 
organizations and committed volunteers.
  Dr. Erwin has successfully spread her message throughout the Portland 
community with such programs as ``Save Our Youth,'' ``Safe Schools Safe 
Lives,'' ``Firearms as a Public Health Crisis'' and ``American Epidemic 
Programs.'' She has also lectured throughout the Pacific Northwest, 
taking her educational presentations to peer and youth groups 
throughout the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
  Dr. Linda Erwin is an outstanding example of a professional who has 
given her time, resources, and knowledge to the community for the 
betterment of all. For these reasons, Dr. Erwin has received 
Ameritech's Award of Excellence in Crime Prevention. I would like to 
thank her on behalf of all those whose lives she lives she has touched.

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