[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 82 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ELIZABETH BURKE

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize 
Elizabeth Burke, who has been chosen as a 1999 Community Health Leader 
by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for her efforts to combat 
domestic violence. As one of 10 outstanding individuals selected each 
year to receive this distinguished award for finding innovative ways to 
bring health care to communities whose needs have been ignored and 
unmet, Ms. Burke's work on behalf of domestic violence victims has 
become a national model.
  A former victim of domestic violence, Elizabeth Burke was hired to 
start up the Domestic Violence Medical Advocacy Project at Mercy 
Hospital in Pittsburgh in 1994. The project is a joint effort between 
Mercy Hospital and the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater 
Pittsburgh, and since its start five years ago, the hospital has 
increased the identification of domestic violence victims by more than 
500 percent. Women are offered counseling, education, shelter and 
employment programs in the 24 hour, 40 bed facility. The Center screens 
all women who are admitted into the hospital, identifying domestic 
violence victims at a point when they are most receptive to help.
  Ms. Burke is responsible for training hundreds of physicians, nurses, 
social workers as well as others in prevention diagnosis, treatment and 
advocacy for victims of domestic violence. Since coming to the project 
she has successfully bridged the gap between the domestic violence and 
medical fields to create a comprehensive response to victims of 
domestic violence. From emergency room screenings to follow-up services 
to an extensive prevention network, she ensures that abused women get 
help before the violence destroys their lives.
  Ms. Burke's efforts don't stop there. She also chairs the 
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and makes 
presentations on domestic violence to a broad community. In addition, 
she serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, 
University of Missouri and West Virginia University.
  Mr. President, many victims of domestic violence have been touched by 
Elizabeth Burke's compassionate spirit. I ask my colleagues to join 
with me in commending Ms. Burke for her extraordinary contribution to 
the Pittsburgh community and to all victims of domestic 
violence.




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