[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF STUDENTS FROM SOUTH TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL 
                         FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the students of 
South Texas High School for Health Professions in Mercedes, Texas for 
once again excelling in the Health Occupations Students of America 
state competition. This year 13 Med High students scored first or 
second among all Texas students in competitions testing their knowledge 
of subjects ranging from nutrition to personal care to first aid 
techniques. The hard work of these South Texas high school students is 
to he commended, as is their involvement with HOSA.
  As our Nation struggles to find and train a sufficient number of 
health care workers to meet the needs of our aging population, HOSA has 
endeavored to play a leading role in training high school and post-
secondary students for futures in health care careers. To date, over 
90,000 students have participated in the HOSA program through 
approximately 2,600 secondary and post-secondary chapters across the 
country.
  By expanding the number of students receiving training and 
instruction in health care careers, our Nation would be investing in 
the futures of both our students and our communities. This Congress, I 
have introduced H.R. 3618, the Safe Schools and Health Care 
Professional Pipeline Act, to facilitate the expansion of health care 
and medical education in our secondary and post-secondary institutions. 
This bill will create a pipeline of trained students into the health 
professions, where they will be able to provide for the medical needs 
of their communities. By introducing these students to health care 
careers at an early age, our high schools and universities will join in 
our effort to sustain an adequate supply of medical professionals while 
developing the skills of our young people.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the 
accomplishments of the students of Med High and in supporting the Safe 
Schools and Health Care Professional Pipeline Act.

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