[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 191 (Thursday, December 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. ALINA ALONSO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2022

  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. 
Alina Alonso, a distinguished and fearless health care leader. I thank 
her as she retires as Director of the Florida Health Department of Palm 
Beach County and wish her great joy on her next journey.
  Dr. Alonso has served Palm Beach County for over 33 years, including 
as its Director of our Health Department for the last 13. Using her 
training in Bio-Chemical Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction, she 
handled the first inhalation of anthrax case in recent U.S. history. 
More recently, Dr. Alonso selflessly guided our community through the 
darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up testing, treatment, 
and vaccination sites throughout Palm Beach County, working closely 
with local leaders, and reaching underserved areas.
  Since becoming Director of the Health Department in 2009, Dr. Alonso 
has overseen the operations of one of the largest county health 
departments in the State of Florida. With over 720 employees, the Palm 
Beach County Health Department provides a full range of primary and 
preventative services to seven health centers located throughout Palm 
Beach County. Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Control, and Emergency 
Preparedness are a few Public Health services offered by the Health 
Department, making it a nationally recognized academic organization in 
a class by itself.
  Dr. Alonso proudly combines her Cuban heritage and her experience and 
training in Mexico and Central America to stay active in patients' 
rights advocacy, minority health issues, cultural diversity, population 
health, and health equity. As an immigrant from Cuba, she has stated 
that being an immigrant was a push to keep reaching higher. Dr. Alonso 
has won numerous awards and recognitions in her many years of Public 
Health service. In March 2022, she was named one of USA Today's ``Women 
of the Year.''
  Dr. Alonso's dedication to health care access and her service to the 
people of South Florida is truly admirable. I feel blessed to have 
worked with her and to get to know her beautiful heart and see first-
hand her dedication and excellence. I am proud to honor her today, 
thank her for her service, and wish her the very best for a future 
filled with great health and happiness.

                          ____________________