[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 72 (Friday, April 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING DENISE AIELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2024

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
unique contributions of one of my constituents, Denise Aiello, a 
volunteer Peer Specialist with LifeStream Behavioral Center. She works 
with the citizens of Citrus County who have substance misuse disorders. 
Denise focuses her efforts with pregnant mothers, meeting them at their 
prenatal appointments, ensuring follow-up with maternity care, and 
providing resources to address treatment needs, and other material 
resources. Denise also works closely with Citrus EMTs responding to 
overdose calls as part of the CORe program, meeting consumers at the 
emergency room to offer connections to substance misuse treatments 
including MAT, counseling, or admission to residential treatment. 
Denise will meet with the consumer at their home or outpatient 
appointment to provide support, guidance, and assistance with 
paperwork. She will respond at night and on weekends if a call comes 
in. She is dedicated to helping others rehabilitate and recover. She 
will make repeated attempts to engage with a consumer, understanding 
they might need time to recognize and accept that they need help. 
Denise is an empathic and dedicated peer who is an asset to the 
LifeStream family and to the residents of Citrus County.
  It is clear that Ms. Aiello has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community and on the lives of countless people she has worked with 
in the fight against the horrific crime of human trafficking. I am 
grateful for her service.

                          ____________________