[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 8, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO DR. AUGUSTO ORTIZ AND MARTHA ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay 
tribute to Dr. Augusto Ortiz and his wife Martha, who have for half a 
century provided medical and clinical services to the Spanish-speaking 
population of Arizona. I wish to recognize their selflessness and 
commitment to the health and welfare of their fellow Americans.
  During the past year in particular, we have witnessed many 
discussions about the role that Puerto Rican-Americans play in the 
mainstream United States. Some have questioned our right to equality as 
Americans because of our language and our culture, but I want to assure 
you that the patriotic and law abiding citizens of Puerto Rico have 
distinguished themselves in all facets of life in the United States, be 
it in defense of our nation, as community leaders, as athletes, 
professionals, scientists or as performing artists, making numerous 
contributions to our great nation. Our language and culture have 
enhanced and enriched our national culture, contributing to the service 
and understanding of our fellow citizens throughout the United States.
  The merging of our cultures is especially evident in the life of Dr. 
and Mrs. Ortiz. Their lifelong commitment to Arizona is enhanced by the 
fact that Dr. Ortiz is a Puerto Rican-American who together with his 
wife have dedicated their lives to the service of their fellow human 
beings. Thousands of Arizonans feel deep gratitude for Ortiz' 
commitment to their health and lives.
  How is it that this ``Jibaro Puertorriqueno'' came to lead his life 
in the desert? While a boy in Puerto Rico, Dr. Ortiz dreamt of helping 
others. His parents encouraged his love of learning and dedication to 
the public service. After graduating from medical school at the 
University of Illinois in 1945, he joined the military and served as a 
physician at several posts throughout the country. In the early 1950's, 
while stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Ortiz 
volunteered to assist Dr. Carlos Graeth to provide medical services to 
the 80,000 Hispanics in Maricopa County. They were the only two Spanish 
speaking doctors in the County.
  Dr. Ortiz became a champion for the rights of those he served. His 
involvement in improving human needs and access to medical care, better 
education, housing and jobs led him to become politically active and an 
ally for people who lacked a voice, particularly farm workers. He 
worked to improve field sanitation conditions and was instrumental in 
enacting state laws to regulate the use of pesticides.
  Martha Ortiz was the organizational brains of this effort. She served 
as the full time administrator, personnel director and business manager 
of the office mostly as a volunteer, because she refused to accept 
payment for her services. She ably handled the many ``pay what you 
can'' patient alternatives that enabled the medical practice to 
continue to make health services available and affordable to low income 
and indigent residents of Arizona.
  Since 1972, Dr. Ortiz has headed the University of Arizona Rural 
Health Office and has successfully directed more efficient health 
services including prevention-focused health campaigns, mobile clinics 
and community health boards. He is a living model to aspiring doctors 
and others in the health professions.
  During their 50 year commitment to their fellow man and woman, Dr. 
and Mrs. Ortiz have been awarded many rightfully deserved honors and 
recognitions at the community, state and national levels.
  As a fellow Puerto Rican-American, as a fellow Hispanic and as a 
fellow American, I am pleased and proud to recognize the achievements 
of this couple who have made a difference in the lives of thousands. 
Dr. Ortiz deserves our deepest gratitude and the nation's recognition. 
I ask my colleagues in Congress to join with me in saluting and 
honoring, Dr. Augusto Ortiz and his wife Martha Ortiz.

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