[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING YVONNE GRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Brooklyn's 
Deputy Borough President, Yvonne Graham who has been a pioneer in the 
area of public health for over 20 years. As Brooklyn's Deputy Borough 
President, Ms. Graham oversees health care policy and all human 
services for the borough president. Her vision was critical to the 2005 
founding of Brooklyn's first Center on Health Disparities, which works 
to reduce cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, infant 
mortality, asthma, and diabetes among minority communities. This center 
is part of an innovative partnership with the SUNY Downstate Medical 
Center and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health.
  In an effort to increase the number of women in leadership positions 
in government, business, and industry. Ms. Graham spearheaded the 
Women's Leadership Initiative, a partnership between academic 
institutions, government agencies, community-based organizations, and 
the private sector that brings women together for dialogue and 
networking.
  Born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies, she moved to New York in 
1979 working as a registered nurse in the emergency room of Brookdale 
Hospital. She holds a bachelor's degree in health administration and 
community health from St. Joseph's College and a master's degree in 
public health from Hunter College. In addition, she completed the 
Executive Program in business administration at Columbia University 
School of Business and an honorary doctor of law degree conferred on 
her by St. Joseph's College, her alma mater.
  Yvonne Graham has written and published many professional articles 
and has recently co-authored a textbook that serves as a seminal guide 
to the operations and management of community-based health 
organizations and their role in improving health outcomes.
  She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors: YWCA's 
Women of Distinction Award; National Association of Black Social 
Workers' Public Citizen of the Year Award; the Frederick Douglass Medal 
of Honor awarded by the New York State Governor to distinguished 
Africans-Americans; the American Lung Association's Distinguished Award 
for Leadership, Creativity, and Caring in Promotion of Community 
Health; and the Harriet Tubman Award.
  Madam Speaker, Ms. Graham's record of public service has continuously 
demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication and today we should 
recognize this outstanding woman.

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