[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 37 (Thursday, February 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING TWO MAINE CONSTITUENTS, DR. MICHAEL TAYLOR AND WENDY TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2019

  Ms. PINGREE. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize two of my Maine 
constituents, Dr. Michael Taylor and Wendy Taylor, whose shared vision, 
determination, and commitment have changed and saved lives in Northern 
Haiti and engaged countless Mainers in support of better health and 
better lives.
  Over seventy years ago, the founding documents of the World Health 
Association proclaimed that ``The enjoyment of the highest attainable 
standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human 
being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic 
or social condition.''
  Michael and Wendy Taylor have long believed in this right, and they 
recognized the extraordinary need in Haiti. In establishing Konbit 
Sante in 2001, they committed to supporting the development of an 
improved health care system to meet the needs of the Cap Haitien 
community. Their vision was to ensure maximum local direction and 
partnerships within the existing system rather than the creation of a 
parallel system. And they knew that it was important to not just 
improve access to health care, but to improve the quality of that care.
  The beauty of this effort has been in the Konbit--which, in Haitian 
Creole, loosely translates to working together for a common goal. 
Rather than providing short-term expertise, Konbit Sante's focus has 
been on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing training, and ensuring 
necessary resources. Right from the start, the Taylors recognized that 
real, sustainable improvements in an under-resourced health system 
required taking the long view. This has not been fast nor always easy, 
but this capacity building model--trusting and supporting Haitians to 
serve Haitians--has yielded extraordinary results.
  Michael and Wendy have had successful careers, raised children, 
enjoyed art and music, nurtured deep and enduring friendships, and 
travelled the world--always coming back to coastal Maine. Along the way 
they have invested their time, talents, and resources in doing good, 
making lasting contributions for the betterment of humankind and 
inspiring so many others to join them.
  Dr. Taylor is receiving the 2019 Presidential Citation today from the 
American Academy of Dermatologists in recognition of his extraordinary 
contributions to the people of Haiti. His wife and Konbit Sante 
cofounder, Wendy, will be at his side. I want to congratulate them 
both, as they make me proud to represent the good people of Maine.

                          ____________________