[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO DOTTIE WHITAKER

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 30, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Dottie 
Whitaker for her remarkable dedication to ending prescription narcotic 
abuse.
  Dottie began her activism as a result of the tragic and untimely 
death of her beloved daughter, Tammie Armato. Tammie passed away on 
September 14, 2005, from an accidental prescription drug overdose. 
Tammie became addicted to prescription pain medication while being 
treated by a doctor for injuries she sustained in a car accident in 
1995. The doctor she had been seeing at the time of her death was 
unfamiliar with Tammie's health history and gave her a large 
prescription of two different pain medications.
  After Tammie's death, Dottie learned that prescription drug overdose 
is a nationwide epidemic. Three out of every five individuals who 
attend drug rehabilitation do so for prescription drug abuse. 
Additionally, more people die each year as a result of prescription 
drug overdoses than as a result of illegal drug overdoses. Inspired to 
do all she could to prevent others from experiencing the terrible loss 
that she has suffered, Dottie created Project Tammie. Project Tammie is 
an organization dedicated to combating accidental prescription narcotic 
overdose.
  In an effort to save lives and prevent other individuals and families 
from suffering the effects of prescription drug addiction, Dottie has 
become a passionate advocate for a nationwide Prescription Monitoring 
Program. This program will allow doctors and practitioners to become 
familiar with a patient's prescription drug history, other prescribing 
physicians, pharmacies and pertinent information before prescribing 
narcotics. A number of states have already established statewide 
Prescription Monitoring Programs, but Dottie believes the only way to 
truly prevent prescription drug abuse and overdoses is to establish a 
nationwide program. Through Project Tammie, Dottie has worked 
tirelessly to create awareness and gain support for legislation that 
would require all states to set up Prescription Monitoring Programs. 
Dottie's hope is that this program would not only prevent patients from 
``doctor shopping,'' but would also help practitioners recognize 
addiction and help patients seek treatment.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dottie Whitaker for her efforts in 
organizing Project Tammie. In the face of a heartbreaking loss, she has 
chosen to make a difference and find a solution that will help others. 
She is an inspiring example of strength, courage and selflessness. Her 
dedication and tireless activism is truly commendable. I applaud her 
outstanding commitment to this important issue and wish her the best in 
her future endeavors.




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