[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO BEVERLY K. ABBOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
Californian, Beverly K. Abbott, on the occasion of her retirement from 
the San Mateo County Mental Health Services Agency.
  In January 1968 Beverly Abbott entered into public service as a 
social worker. A dedicated champion of the mentally ill, she devoted 
twelve years to Marin County's Division of Community Health, eight of 
which were spent as Director. Beverly Abbott revolutionized the 
Department during her tenure, increasing the budget from $5,000,000 to 
$12,000,000.
  In 1985, Beverly Abbott took the helm at the San Mateo County Mental 
Health Services Agency. Under her stewardship, the Mental Health 
Division has been transformed from a traditional, clinic-based mental 
health facility to a dynamic organization with a broad array of 
residential and rehabilitation options. Today the Agency offers a wide 
selection of contact services, designed to involve families and clients 
in the administration and evaluation of the service delivery system.
  In 1994, the San Mateo Mental Health Division led the State of 
California by implementing the first fully integrated mental health 
service system for persons funded by Medi-Cal (MEDICAID).
  Beverly Abbott has taken a leadership role in a number of prestigious 
organizations, including the American College of Mental Health 
Administration where she served as President-Elect and President from 
1995 to 1999.
  She has worked tirelessly to provide uncompromising assistance to all 
residents of San Mateo County. Beverly Abbott's life of leadership is 
instructive to us all. Her dedication to the ideals of democracy and 
community service stand tall. It is fitting that she is being honored 
upon the occasion of her retirement from the San Mateo County Mental 
Health Services Agency, and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join 
me in honoring this great and good woman whom I am proud to call my 
friend. We are a better county, a better country and a better people 
because of her.

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