[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF PAQUETTA PALMER FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN 
             ACTIVISM, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paquetta 
Palmer on her retirement from Community Public Health and recognize her 
years of distinguished service. Her contributions to the community are 
worthy of commendation.
  Paquetta Palmer's work at Washtenaw County's Community Mental Health 
has been paramount in addressing our community's mental health needs. 
As a Customer Resource Specialist, Palmer provided mental health 
services to people with mental illnesses, emotional disturbances, and 
developmental disabilities, giving them the tools necessary to work 
through their struggles. Palmer is known among her colleagues for her 
high degree of professionalism, kind demeanor, and passion for helping 
others.
  Paquetta Palmer's commitment to serving Washtenaw County extends far 
beyond her professional work. Palmer has used the bulk of her free time 
working tirelessly with a variety of organizations to advance racial, 
economic, and social justice for all within the community. Palmer is a 
volunteer cook at Food Gatherers and participates in Neutral Zone, an 
organization dedicated to promoting the personal growth of our 
community's youth. Furthermore, Palmer has been an informal Health and 
Human Services advocate, a longtime community advocate for affordable 
housing in Washtenaw County, and even was a pioneer in comprehensive 
healthcare reform for low-income residents, fighting for the adoption 
of the Washtenaw County Health Plan long before the Affordable Care Act 
was even implemented. Palmer's steadfast dedication to supporting the 
entire community is truly remarkable.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Paquetta 
Palmer's retirement. Over her decades of service, Palmer has become a 
pillar of the Washtenaw County community, and it is my honor and 
privilege to recognize her dedication today. We are grateful for her 
outstanding work and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

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