[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO SHERNET NEUFVILLE-GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the efforts 
of Shernet Neufville-Gray to positively change the health care 
community in the Brooklyn, New York area.
  Shernet Neufville-Gray is a divorced mother of two daughters, Chloe, 
age 16, who is a leukemia survivor and Quimani, age 11. Born and raised 
in Kingston, Jamaica, Shernet is a product of a family that instilled 
the value and importance of education. In 1988, Shernet received her 
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the West Indies in Mona 
Campus, Jamaica. In 1997, she earned her Master's degree in Public 
Administration from New York University.
  Shernet feels that her mission in life is to provide and facilitate 
the delivery of service for the underserved. Her recognition of these 
endeavors began as early as age 19 while working as a student-teacher 
intern in one of the violence ridden areas of Kingston, Jamaica.
  Shernet moved from Jamaica to the United States approximately 20 
years ago and shifted her career focus to healthcare. Within this field 
she has worked at resolving dilemmas in various healthcare settings. 
Shernet currently serves as the Associate Director of Psychiatry's 
Division of Chemical Dependency for the Health and Hospitals 
Corporation at the Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center and its 
surrounding network. In this capacity, Shernet has been instrumental in 
developing, revising and implementing policies that serve as advocacy 
for persons in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. This she does 
while resolving patient complaints and ensuring that the facility and 
staff meet regulatory and stakeholders expectations regarding service. 
Her prior capacities as research analyst at the Brooklyn Hospital 
Center helped her promote the use of evidence-based practices in 
healthcare. There, Shernet spearheaded improvement in the hospital's 
patient education practice as well.
  Not only has Shernet spent her entire career serving as an advocate 
for the underserved, but she is heavily involved in community 
organizations. She is a founding member of the Vander Park Glenwood 
Lions Club, and she is also a member of an organization of Jamaicans 
(JON-J) that provides services to youths, immigrants and anyone in 
need. Shernet is also an active member of the United Methodist Church, 
where she works in various fundraising capacities and volunteers in the 
church's soup kitchen.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to once again recognize the selfless 
contributions that Shernet Neufville-Gray has made to the Brooklyn 
community.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this outstanding woman and the great things for which she stands.

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