Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen Addresses NLM
Virgin Islands Delegate is First Female Physician to Serve in
Congress
When Dr. Donna Christian- Christensen speaks, you can't help but
listen. The physician from the U.S. Virgin Islands talks with quiet
dignity and firm conviction.
In her first visit to the National Institutes of Health, she got
right to the point. "The best investment we can make in our future
economy and in seeing that we develop our full human potential is in
our health care and education system," she told a capacity crowd in
NLM's Lister Hill Auditorium. She was invited to speak February 15th
as part of the Library's observance of African American History
Month.
A third-term Democrat, Dr. Christian-Christensen chairs the
Congressional Black Caucus's (CBC) health brain trust, which
oversees and advocates minority health issues both nationally and
internationally.
Noting that the United States - "the world's only remaining super
power" - is the only industrialized country that does not provide
health care to all its citizens, she said the CBC is proud to be
called "the conscience of the Congress" by many. The group has made
universal health coverage a top priority.
"It becomes our challenge - NLM, who holds the information; NIH,
who conducts the research; our community partners, who advocate on
behalf of those they serve; and ours, the legislators entrusted with
the power - to use the information to create policy and advance
change," she stated. "This brings us back to the power of the vote
and where do we go from here. We are convinced that the 'empowerment
approach' is the way to health and well-being for us in the new
millennium."
Other major Congressional Black Caucus initiatives for the 107th
Congress include increased investment in training minority health
care providers, and greater emphasis on mental health issues, she
said.
"We must reshape, rebuild and recreate the entire health care
landscape in many of our communities," Christian-Christensen
concluded. "We in the Congressional Black Caucus applaud and thank
the Library of Medicine. I hope that my being here today begins a
new and broader dialogue and collaboration that will even further
advance the health and quality of life of the people that we serve
in Congress, and that you here at NIH serve."
 Gathering for NLM's
African American History Month program February 15th were (from l.)
NLM Deputy Director Kent A. Smith, NIH Acting Deputy Director Dr.
Yvonne Maddox, NLM EEO Officer David Nash, guest speaker
Christian-Christensen, and NLM Director Dr. Donald A.B. Lindberg.
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