[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 2012 GRADUATES OF CHARLES DREW UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 2012 graduates 
of Charles Drew University in Los Angeles. This unique school is a true 
national treasure. Formally established in 1966 as a postgraduate 
medical school, CDU is a private, non-profit, minority-serving medical 
and health science institution. But it is much more than that; it is 
one of only four historically black graduate institutions in this 
country, and the only one located west of the Mississippi.
  The men and women who graduate from this institution go on to have 
remarkable careers. Since 1971, when the first student matriculated, 
CDU has graduated over 550 physicians, 1,200 physician assistants, 
2,800 physician specialists and numerous other healthcare professionals 
from diverse backgrounds, most of whom dedicated their careers working 
in underserved communities.
  In Los Angeles County nearly one in every three minority doctors were 
trained at CDU, and graduates of the College of Medicine are two to 
three times more likely to practice in diverse and medically 
underserved communities than physicians trained in other medical 
schools. The school is simply indispensable to the minority communities 
in LA County.
  African Americans, who account for only 13 percent of the U.S. 
population, account for more than 50 percent of all new HIV/AIDS 
diagnoses. African Americans die from diabetes at twice the rate of 
white Americans, and die from cancer at a rate 25.4% higher than white 
Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, these statistics are grim, and there are many more 
shocking health disparities that exist between racial groups in our 
country. This is why health research institutions, like CDU, that are 
focused on eradicating these disparities are of vital importance.
  With so many patients to serve, it is critical that we have enough 
trained health care professionals to adequately serve all communities, 
especially those that are economically disadvantaged like the area 
surrounding CDU. The graduates that emerge from this institution are 
fundamental in fulfilling that role.
  As the Member of Congress for the 37th District of California in 
which the Charles Drew University is located, I am personally familiar 
with CDU's accomplished record of service. Each member of the 
graduating class has chosen a career path that will not only be 
exciting and rewarding, but will make a true difference in the lives of 
so many people.
  Mr. Speaker, today I honor this exceptional University, and the 2012 
graduates who will be moving on to provide health care with excellence 
and compassion. I know that it will be men and women like them that 
will transform the health of underserved communities.

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