[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 106 (Friday, June 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DR. CHARNETTE MUNROE AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL
FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH
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HON. DARREN SOTO
of florida
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 20, 2025
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Charnette Munroe was born in Westmoreland,
Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. Proud of her
Caribbean heritage, she honors the sacrifices of her Jamaican ancestors
through her professional and academic achievements.
Dr. Munroe earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the
University of South Florida, followed by a master's and Ph.D. in
Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed
her internship and geropsychology fellowship at the Dallas North Texas
Health Care System.
Dedicated to serving her community, Dr. Munroe is a clinical
geropsychologist with extensive experience in clinical and
administrative roles. She began her federal career at Fort Bragg Army
Medical Center, treating PTSD in active-duty service members. Her VA
career started at the Tuskegee VA in Alabama, and in 2015, she joined
the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS). At OVAHCS, Dr. Munroe has
played a crucial role in geriatric mental health care, providing
services for patients with dementia, hospice care, and spinal cord
injuries and disorders. As the Mental Health Geriatrics and Extended
Care (MH GEC) Program Manager, she oversees mental health services in
the Community Living Center (CLC) and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC).
She supervises a team of psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring
clinical competence and patient access to care through program
expansion, employee recruitment, and the implementation of best care
practices.
Dr. Munroe aims to promote favorable health behavior outcomes for
geriatric consumers. She established a monthly virtual forum for
geropsychology VA supervisors nationwide, offering support, training,
and practice reviews. As chair of the Orlando and VISN 8 Dementia
Committees, she has led the implementation of the VHA Dementia System
of Care Directive, developed dementia education and training plans, and
continually addresses these needs. Dr. Munroe's contributions include
formal presentations on brain health and dementia prevention, which
have significantly impacted geriatric mental health and the broader
healthcare community.
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