[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION HEALTH ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Dr. 
Samuel R. Dismond Jr. and HealthPlus of Michigan for their strong 
commitment to health, education and the well-being of the Genesee 
Valley area.
  Dr. Dismond is the current chief of staff at Hurley Medical Center. 
Throughout his distinguished medical career, he has served on a number 
of influential boards. Dr. Dismond has also been recognized numerous 
times for his contributions to the medical profession. By supporting 
his community and actively promoting research in health related fields, 
Dr. Dismond has made a difference in a number of patient's and 
associate's lives.
  HealthPlus of Michigan has worked tirelessly to promote lung health 
within their organization and their community, including efforts to 
help any willing employee or patient quit smoking. This was 
accomplished by offering various smoking cessation and behavioral 
support programs. However, the biggest step HealthPlus has taken was 
instituting guidelines requiring every physician affiliated with 
HealthPlus to inquire about his or her patient's smoking status during 
each visit and to track it within their permanent medical records. 
Also, the physician must encourage every smoker to attempt to stop 
smoking. HealthPlus has also donated money to the American Lung 
Association so that they might help to teach area children about 
asthma.
  It is with great pleasure that I announce to the U.S. Senate Dr. 
Samuel R. Dismond as the recipient of this year's American Lung 
Association ``1998 Individual Health Advocate of the Year'' and 
HealthPlus as the ``1998 Corporate Health Advocate of the Year.'' These 
awards will be presented at the 16th annual Health Advocate of the Year 
Awards Dinner on March 18, 1999 in Grand Blanc, Michigan. I extend my 
sincerest congratulations to Dr. Dismond and HealthPlus of 
Michigan.

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