[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO SAM DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, 1999, a Tribute Dinner will honor 
Sam Davis for his nearly 40 years as Executive Director of the Michigan 
Association for Children with Emotional Disorders.
  As the main force for the founding and continuing efforts of the 
Association, Sam Davis became an indispensable advocate in Michigan for 
mental health and for special education programs for children with 
emotional problems. From the very beginning, he has fostered grass 
roots activities on behalf of children with special needs. In the early 
years, it was a difficult struggle as society was still wrestling with 
denial rather than acknowledgement and treatment of mental problems, 
especially of our children.
  With the help of Sam Davis' leadership and determination, there 
followed a period of progress. There was a spurt of action, both in the 
private and public sectors in Michigan. He served on many Boards and 
Committees, including the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health 
Services Board Advisory Committee on Children and Youth; Michigan 
Department of Mental Health Advisory Council on Mental Illness; and 
Chairperson of the Children's Advisory Council of the Oakland County 
Community Mental Health Board. He was also appointed to the Child 
Mental Health Study Group of the Michigan Department of Mental Health, 
the Child Care Study Committee, and the Special Education Advisory 
Committee of the Michigan Department of Education.
  In recent years the provision of mental health services for our 
society has come under increased stress and uncertainty. So Michigan 
will miss even more intensely the strong hand and agile mind of Sam 
Davis at the helm of the Michigan Association. He leaves with a long 
record of accomplishment, and these successes stand as a challenge to 
Michigan to strive more fully where it has failed. Sam Davis has 
devoted his life to the children of Michigan and as he leaves for other 
pursuits, his career is a challenge to all who care to continue to do 
better by our children with mental health and special needs.
  I am pleased to join with all of those who will join in honoring Sam 
Davis at the Tribute Dinner on May 20, 1999.

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