[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 84 (Monday, May 19, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL SOCIETY

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Arkansas Medical Society's 150th anniversary.
  Founded in October 1875 by 225 physicians, the Arkansas Medical 
Society has become a champion for medical, social, and scientific 
advocacy. Throughout decades of invaluable service, its members have 
remained steadfast in their mission to advance medicine and improve the 
well-being of Natural State residents.
  Since its founding, the Arkansas Medical Society's efforts have had a 
tremendous impact on our State. To advance the heath needs of Arkansans 
and support physicians, the organization has had a hand in the 
planning, creation, and implementation of our State's first State board 
of health in response to the yellow fever epidemic; developed 
Arkansas's first medical licensing laws to ensure uniformity of care 
for citizens; and supported the establishment of what would eventually 
become the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of 
Medicine.
  Other distinct contributions include the creation of the Arkansas 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium in 1909, educational efforts to combat malaria 
and typhoid fever, and later, the creation of Arkansas Blue Cross in 
1948, as well as sponsoring a statewide polio vaccination program 
several years later.
  More recently, its members helped successfully push for the 
development of a statewide trauma system in 2009, enact reforms to ease 
administrative burdens that delay care, and organize a distribution 
system to provide personal protective equipment to Natural State 
healthcare providers and clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  It has continuously demonstrated the ability to positively impact our 
State. Through unwavering dedication to the organization's founding 
principles, the physicians it mobilizes have furthered public health 
and wellness for their patients, communities, and beyond.
  For more than a century, the Arkansas Medical Society has continued 
to thrive due to its reputation and effectiveness. I applaud the hard 
work of its members, past and present, whose innovative work has 
spurred positive change and bettered the lives of men, women, and 
children across the Natural State. Congratulations on this significant 
milestone of 150 years.

                          ____________________