[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. C. VINCENT BAKEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 
the life and legacy Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman, a co-founder of the Human 
Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI), who devoted himself to 
improving our alcohol and chemical dependency treatment systems.
  We are all aware of the national problem that is especially acute in 
inner-city areas across this great Nation. The shortage of healthcare 
professionals has left many underserved communities without access to 
healthcare, placing low- and middle-income families at even greater 
risk of suffering from medical conditions and disorders that could be 
averted.
  True to its mission, HRDI has charted innovative healthcare solutions 
that continue to stabilize and strengthen families, neighborhoods and 
entire communities from Chicago to Las Vegas to Indianola, Mississippi, 
and points in between.
  Additionally, through his efforts to empower those without 
healthcare, he formed partnerships with area institutions of higher 
learning to assist residents in acquiring the necessary skills and 
training central to competing in this new age of information and 
technology.
  Many of our colleagues here in Congress have espoused the notion of 
expanding healthcare coverage. Dr. Bakeman lived it.
  It is through community efforts as demonstrated by Dr. Bakeman and 
HRDI that we may be able to achieve a reality of accessible and 
affordable healthcare for all.
  During his thirty-plus years of service, Dr. Bakeman touched the 
lives of many, proving that even the simplest ideas can make a big 
difference.
  I take great pride in commending the work of Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman 
and HRDI on a job well done for more than 30 years.

                          ____________________