[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEDICATED TO PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTH CARE--A TRIBUTE TO BETTY JEAN 
                                  KERR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2007

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to honor Betty Jean Kerr as 
she celebrates 30 years of successful service as CEO of People's Health 
Centers, PHC. Under her dedicated leadership, the medically underserved 
and uninsured receive comprehensive medical treatment daily across the 
St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The St. Louis community will celebrate Ms. 
Kerr during a very special Gala Weekend, which includes a historical 
renaming of PHC to the Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers. This is 
a fitting tribute for an extraordinary woman who has been credited with 
taking her vision of community health to an international level.
  PHC Health Centers, PHC, has a 35 year history of providing essential 
primary care and prevention health education risk reduction services. 
Under Kerr's leadership, the PHC campus is now a sprawling community of 
apartments for the elderly, housing for persons with disabilities, 
social security services, primary health care, dental services, a 
pharmacy, affordable homes, small businesses, and school-based sites 
that provide increased access to health in conjunction with health 
center locations. All health services are provided by clinicians who 
are accountable for addressing the personal health needs of the 
residents in St. Louis. The success of PHC is a true reflection of 
Kerr's commitment and dedication to ensuring that primary care and 
prevention services are efficiently provided, regardless of a patient's 
socioeconomic status.
  Kerr has also ventured beyond medical treatment by incorporating 
medical research into PHC. By partnering with government agencies, 
teaching institutions, and a host of other participants, PHC is able to 
conduct clinical research trials in an effort to improve health 
outcomes for medically underserved persons with chronic diseases. And 
reduce health disparities. Ms. Kerr has a strong belief that every 
citizen has the right to a long and healthy life. She continues 
creating unique programs, such as the Sharing the Care Program, which 
allows eligible PHC participants to receive life-saving drugs free of 
charge.
  Kerr has recently extended her mission of serving the underserved 
through the Betty Jean Kerr Scholarship. These College Family Life 
Assistant Scholarships are awarded to African American students with an 
interest in higher education in the fields of health and health related 
professions.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great privilege that I recognize Betty Jean 
Kerr today before Congress. She is not only a local hero, but is indeed 
a national treasure. Her tireless work to make healthcare affordable 
and accessible to all makes her more than worthy of this honor. It is 
with great privilege that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Betty Jean Kerr.

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