[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E417-E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING VIVIAN LEE ON THE OCCASION OF HER INDUCTION INTO THE 
                  WASHINGTON STATE NURSES HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Vivian Lee for 
her recent induction into the Washington State Nurses Hall of Fame. 
This a fitting recognition of her years of considerable contributions 
to the healthcare community.
  Mrs. Lee has been an influential leader in Seattle's nursing and 
healthcare industry for decades by demonstrating her exceptional

[[Page E418]]

commitment to selflessly serving others in need. During her tenure as 
the Program Management Officer of the federal Title X program, she 
helped low-income citizens receive family planning assistance, among 
other healthcare services, at an affordable cost.
  Mrs. Lee has also pioneered the way for future African American 
nurses to be successful in the healthcare field. She holds the 
distinction of being the first African American to be admitted into the 
University of Washington's prestigious Bachelors of Science nursing 
program. She was also the first African American to receive the 
Washington State School Nurse of the Year Award, serve as a registered 
nurse at Seattle's VA Hospital, and be hired by the U.S. Public Health 
Service. Through these notable accomplishments, Mrs. Lee broke historic 
ground and her example serves as an inspiration to many in our region.
  Outside of her impressive record in the healthcare field, Mrs. Lee is 
actively engaged in important community issues including civil rights, 
child nutrition, and women's issues. She has shown her passion for 
women's health by serving as the inaugural leader of the first Federal 
Regional Office on Women's Health, which has grown to 144 clinics 
nationwide that focus on women's reproductive health research and 
national women's health policy. Mrs. Lee has shown her passion for 
educating and mentoring students by serving on the UW Alumni Board of 
Trustees, co-founding the UW Multicultural Alumni Partnership, and 
chairing the UWAA Diversity Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Vivian Lee for 
her admirable achievements in the healthcare and nursing industries. 
Through her many accomplishments she has continued to improve the 
quality of healthcare that many people receive in the greater Seattle 
area.

                          ____________________