[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. JOHN GUSHA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. John Gusha, 
a dentist who mobilized dental societies and nonprofit groups to launch 
the Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative for low-income 
residents of Massachusetts. Dr. Gusha is among the outstanding 
individuals from across the country selected this year to receive a 
Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program award of 
$120,000.
  Dr. Gusha founded and served as project director of the Central 
Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative, a collaborative of 25 
organizations focused on improving oral health in the region.
  Growing up in a large, blue-collar family, Dr. Gusha was inspired by 
his faith and the work ethic of his immigrant heritage to give back to 
his community. After working his way through dental school and setting 
up a private practice, he began volunteering at a free medical clinic 
and was struck by the magnitude of oral health problems he saw among 
patients.
  He recruited his colleagues in local and State dental societies and 
nonprofit groups to launch the Oral Health Initiative in 1999. The 
initiative opened a free dental clinic where dentists, hygienists, and 
assistants volunteer their services. It also educates physicians and 
nurses to perform oral health screenings, and trains outreach workers 
to teach young mothers about preventing tooth decay, the most common 
chronic condition of childhood.
  In addition to volunteering his dental services, Dr. Gusha has pushed 
for policy changes aimed at improving Massachusetts' health. He helped 
win State legislation allowing a pilot program to expand access to 
dentists for Medicaid patients in central Massachusetts. In 1993, as 
chairman of the Holden Board of Health, he championed fluoridation of 
the water supply and prohibition of second-hand smoke in public places.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dr. John 
Gusha for his accomplishments as founder of the Central Massachusetts 
Oral Health Initiative and for his efforts put forth in achieving a 
2003 Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program award.

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