[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ALLIANCE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the South Dakota State Medical Association Alliance. 
This organization was founded to promote educational and charitable 
endeavors related to healthy living, and it has made remarkable 
progress over the last century.
  Originally called the South Dakota Auxiliary, this organization was 
founded in 1910 when 18 wives of physicians saw a need for their own 
organization during the annual meeting of the South Dakota Medical 
Association. The original group of women took 15 minutes to write the 
constitution and by-laws, with dues set at $1 a year. Now known as the 
South Dakota State Medical Association Alliance, the group holds an 
annual fundraiser to raise money for medical student scholarships. This 
devoted organization supports the development of leadership skills 
through national training as well as involvement with projects at the 
State and local level.
  The South Dakota State Medical Association Alliance has long been 
devoted to the general health of South Dakotans through education and 
financial support. The oldest continuous medical alliance in the United 
States, SDSMA Alliance fills an important role in our State with all 
they do. I appreciate their hard work and again congratulate them on 
their 100th anniversary. I look forward to their continued efforts on 
behalf of the South Dakota health care community.

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