[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 29996]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             WAYNE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY 150TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate the Wayne County Medical Society as they gather in 
celebration of their 150th Anniversary.
  The Wayne County Medical Society has set a pioneering tradition in 
health care since it was founded on April 14, 1849. They began with 
only 50 physicians and have grown to include more than 4,200 
physicians. They work together to promote unity and loyalty among 
physicians in the community and to raise awareness of public health 
issues concerning the citizens of Wayne County.
  What is truly remarkable about this select group is the profound 
impact they have had on the public health of the people in Detroit and 
Wayne County. One of its most notable accomplishments was leading a 
polio immunization drive which vaccinated thousands of Detroiters and 
all but eliminated the threat of the crippling disease.
  The WCMS continues to provide health care that shows no bounds with 
the free medical and dental clinic they run at the Webber School in 
Detroit. Every child is offered free services such as physical 
examinations, dental fluoride sealants and prophylaxis. The WCMS also 
takes a proactive approach to health care, in 1998 they sponsored a 
teen pregnancy conference with more than 500 Detroit Public School 
students in attendance. The children were encouraged to abstain from 
sex and to understand the consequences of not practicing safe sex. By 
sponsoring an annual party for foster children in Wayne the WCMS shows 
their commitment to the community extends beyond healthcare. The WCMS 
is truly an asset to the Detroit Community.
  The accomplishments this elite group has made in the past 150 years 
are to be commended. Guided by the spirit of charity the WCMS has 
improved and enriched the lives of countless people. It is my hope that 
they will continue encouraging unity among physicians and be a crusader 
for public health in Detroit for many years to come.

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