[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING DR. JEFFREY DUCHIN'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PRAMILA JAYAPAL

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jeffrey 
Duchin who is retiring after a thirty-year career in public health, 
most recently as the Health Officer for Public Health--Seattle & King 
County.
  Dr. Duchin began working at Public Health--Seattle & King County in 
1994 on assignment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
to handle the Tuberculosis and HIV programs. Four years later, Dr. 
Duchin served as the Public Health--Seattle & King County Chief of 
Vaccination and Communicable Disease Epidemiology, a position he held 
until he was named Health Officer in 2015. He has lent his expertise to 
numerous national policy and advisory bodies where he helped shape 
approaches to immunizations and infectious diseases. Dr. Duchin is also 
a longtime Professor at the University of Washington's Schools of 
Medicine and Public Health. In this capacity, he provides mentorship to 
students and publishes research on communicable disease. His 
contributions to infectious disease research will undoubtedly leave a 
mark on the field for years to come.
  Dr. Duchin's outstanding work helped King County and Washington State 
navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and better prepare for public health 
emergencies. In 2020, King County experienced America's first known 
COVID-19 case and the first large outbreak. Dr. Duchin immediately 
stepped into action and his leadership was nationally recognized. 
During this time, Dr. Duchin prioritized community engagement and 
solutions that centered equity. My staff and I partnered closely with 
Public Health--Seattle & King County during the pandemic. Dr. Duchin's 
invaluable expertise, frequent updates and excellent communication were 
essential for the intergovernmental partnerships that supported our 
communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Duchin's 
prioritization of science and deep understanding of the 
intersectionality of health saved countless lives.
  Dr. Duchin's tireless commitment to public health has benefitted the 
lives of so many in King County and beyond. His leadership will serve 
as a model for Washington State's leaders for years to come. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating his many accomplishments and 
contributions to public health. On behalf of Washington's 7th 
Congressional District, I thank Dr. Jeffrey Duchin for his service to 
the people of the Pacific Northwest.

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