[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2022

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere 
admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 
2022 theme--Black Health and Wellness.
  This year's theme recognizes the achievements and initiatives of 
African Americans in healthcare while simultaneously highlighting the 
disparities that still exist in our country. As we reflect on the past, 
we must examine how race and racism have created additional barriers 
for African American health outcomes.
  Specific to Northwest Indiana, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize and commemorate the notable achievements of Dr. Clarence 
Boone, a well-known obstetrician-gynecologist and leader in our 
region's medical community.
  Dr. Boone was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from 
Froebel High School in Gary in 1949 and went on to attend Indiana 
University--where he earned a degree in anatomy and physiology. He then 
made history as one of five Black students enrolled at the Indiana 
University School of Medicine in 1952.
  After medical school, Dr. Boone returned to his hometown in Gary and 
spent his career advocating for African Americans and women in the 
medical field. He served as President of the Medical Staff of Methodist 
Hospital and as Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Northwest 
Indiana. Dr. Boone is remembered as a community mentor who was 
committed to providing medical service to individuals who would not 
otherwise have access to it.
  While we have made progress to improve access to affordable health 
care options, there still is a long way to go. Generations of strict 
geographical segregation have left many hospitals and medical care 
centers that continue to serve African American communities under-
resourced and under-staffed.
  Evident prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and certainly emphasized by 
it, these shortages have resulted in African Americans being more 
susceptible to illness, less likely to receive adequate treatment, and 
placed further at-risk for complications.
  While I appreciate the milestones reached through the passage of the 
Affordable Care Act, more must be done to improve access to affordable 
health care and decrease the gap in health-related outcomes for African 
Americans.
  With this year's celebration of Black History Month, let us honor Dr. 
Boone from Gary and all African American scholars and medical 
professionals who have played such a monumental role with their 
contributions to health care in the state of Indiana and throughout our 
country, and let us recommit to ending health disparities for African 
Americans that still exist today.

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