Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Sharonnie M. Perry.

Ms. Perry was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. She is the mother of two sons, DaShawn and Jah-Son. She is also the proud grandmother of Jaylin and Jah-Son, Jr. Ms. Perry is a woman of faith; she believes if you put God at the head of your life and Jesus at the center, you will not fail.

Ms. Perry lives her life by one of her favorite sayings, ``I have come to serve and not to be served.'' In this spirit, she worked as a community activist for over thirty-five years, fought against decentralization of public schools and founded Parents on the Move, a self-help organization for homeless parents and children. Ms. Perry also advocated for affordable housing, education, and employment of New York City's homeless population.

In 1982, Ms. Perry saw a need that became one of her greatest passions to date: HIV/AIDS activism. She has traveled the country to inform people about the health care and services offered to individuals living with HIV/AIDs; she also advocates on behalf of individuals living with this difficult disease. In addition, it should be noted that Ms. Perry is a valued political consultant. In various capacities, she has helped elect countless elected officials at all levels of government.

Ms. Perry attributes her success in life to the Creator, first and foremost; her parents, Dolly and James; family; mentors; spiritual advisors; and friends Father Jim Goode, Bishop Albert Janiison, Carmuela Rodriguez, Annette Robinson and Mama Lola. She also never forgets the ancestors whose shoulders she stands on: Baba MezeeMoyo, Queen Empress Akwcke, Thomas Faulkner, Charles Pinn and all those who have passed this way.

It comes as no surprise that Ms. Perry has been recognized across the country for her commitment to the underserved people in our society. In summarizing her own devotion to family, church and community, Ms. Perry would say, ``If I can help somebody along the way, then my living would not have been in vain.''

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Sharonnie M. Perry.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Shirley M. Oliver.

For decades, Ms. Oliver dedicated herself to the youth of the Brownsville-Ocean Hill community of Brooklyn, New York. She was a day care professional at the Love in Action Day Care Center, an auditory tester in the public school system and a Credentialed Prevention and Intervention Specialist with the New York City Board of Education. Her work demonstrates a clear commitment to children at all stages of development.

A proud product of the New York City Public School System, Ms. Oliver has always had a firm belief in education. Tasked with raising a young family and full-time employment, Ms. Oliver made time to pursue her educational goals; she attained a Bachelor of Arts from the College of New Rochelle and a Post-Graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Fordham University. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Ms. Oliver is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Brooklyn community and is a New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Trainee with credentialing in gambling.

Ms. Oliver was born, raised and still resides in the Brownsville community of Brooklyn, New York. She is the second child of Charles and Pat Green. Ms. Oliver grew up in a nurturing environment; her parents stressed the importance of education, spirituality and public service. Ms. Oliver is the proud mother of two children: Mr. Shon Oliver and Mrs. ShakiraKee. She is also the proud grandmother of four grandchildren: Kumani, Saabir, Sumaiyah, and KianaraKee.

Through her membership in service organizations, Ms. Oliver makes a conscious effort to advocate on the behalf of others. Her organizational affiliations are extensive; she is a member of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Ed Towns, the N.A.A.C.P., the Community Board, the Brooksdale Hospital Advisory Board and she is a Delegate for AFSCME at the annual National Convention for the AFL-CIO. In addition to all this, Ms. Oliver is the shop steward for her Local Chapter 372 and a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

Ms. Oliver has a philosophy that exemplifies her devotion to social justice and education: Empower those who cannot empower themselves. Through career choices and organizational memberships, Ms. Oliver is clearly dedicated to the betterment of her community; it is this characteristic that marks her as a distinguished woman of education.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Shirley M. Oliver.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Susan N. Kleinrock.

Ms. Kleinrock was born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Martin and Ruth Kleinrock.

She is a product of the New York City public education system and has received awards of excellence for both her academic and community success.

While still a high school student, Ms. Kleinrock began her career in healthcare; on weekend and evenings she volunteered at Coney Island Hospital. She was later nominated and accepted to the MJ3DEX Program, which affords pre-med students specialized training and opportunities to explore careers in healthcare.

Ms. Kleinrock graduated from New York University and completed her doctoral studies at Syracuse University. After completing her graduate training in Psychology, Ms. Kleinrock expanded her knowledge base in healthcare administration and quality management; she became a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

In her career, Ms. Kleinrock has come full circle. She started at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, as the Coordinating Manager for Inpatient Psychiatry and later became the Assistant Director of Quality Management. With this position, she developed, implemented and trained clinical staff on standardized medical record documentation for both mental health and chemical dependency programs. Ms. Kleinrock also wrote the Certificate of Need application for the Medically Managed Detoxification Unit which opened in 1989.

In 1993, Ms. Kleinrock went to work for the Bellevue Medical and Mental Health Center; she was responsible for the quality, risk and regulatory activities of the Department of Psychiatry. This department of Bellevue is the largest public healthcare system in the country and has earned recognition for excellent clinical and administrative accomplishments. In 2010, Ms. Kleinrock returned to Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center as the Deputy Director of Psychiatry; she continues to work as a member of the Joint Commission Survey Preparation Team.

In addition to all her professional responsibilities, Ms. Kleinrock is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, where she advocates for quality mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation. Ms. Kleinrock believes that patient safety and quality care are vital components of a strong public healthcare system. She is endlessly committed to assisting the Woodhull staff in accomplishing this mission.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Susan N. Kleinrock.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rev. Walter J. Morris.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Rev. Morris has always been committed to service to the elderly community and serving others. At a very young age, he showed great respect for all people and took an interest in serving others. This was instilled in him from his late parents, Johnny and Emma Morris, who believed in strong morals and values, and respecting oneself and others. He was raised in a very large family, and is number eight of twelve children. He was educated in the Mobile County public school system, and was also the first male to graduate from high school in his family.

Rev. Morris went on to complete his education and graduated from the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen Mechanics Institute's, ``Building Construction Superintendence Program'' in 1973; Wilfred Academy Cosmetology School in 1993; New York Theological Seminary in 1997; Blanton Peale Graduate Institute in ``Pastoral Care Awareness'' in 1997; and attended New York College Alliance Theological Seminary, ``Pastoral Ministry'' and ``Biblical Studies'' from 2000 to 2003. Professionally, his first job was at Robert Hall Clothes Store. Later he transitioned to H.L. Lazar Inc., where he worked for more than twenty-one years, initially employed as a messenger. During the first sixty days he received two promotions. Rev. Morris received numerous promotions, including Field Service Supervisor in the construction department. He was promoted to Construction Superintendent in 1974, to be named the first Black Superintendent in the company until they went out of business in 1990. He moved on and continued to work in the construction industry until 2006, until retirement.

Rev. Morris has always been a Christian; his first church was Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, in Mobile, Alabama. He continued his life of ministry at the Bethany Baptist Church, where he served as an Associate Minister under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. William A. Jones, Jr. who licensed him to preach in 1998, and ordained him in 2006. Rev. Morris has been in the community and active at the Bethany Baptist Church for over twenty years in various ministries, visiting the sick and shut-in, praying for people and preaching midweek services.

Rev. Morris served as the Chairman for the clergy group ``The Community Benefit Agreement'' for the Atlantic Yard Project, and is one of the original signatories. He feels that it is an honor to be able to help someone and encourage our youth to know that there is more to life than going to jail. As of five months ago, he started a new church, The Anointed Church with a Vision, in the Brownsville area, where he is the current and active Assistant Pastor.

God also blessed him seven years ago with a lovely wife, Barbara Morris, and step-daughter, Karen Miller where they currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Rev. Walter J. Morris.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Moddy H. Kiluvia.

Moddy H. Kiluvia, MD joined North Brooklyn Health Network in August 2006 as an attending Psychiatrist at Woodhull Hospital Psychiatry Emergency Room. He is responsible for providing acute Psychiatric care to the residents of Bushwick, Bedford Stuyvesant, Fort Green, Williamsburg and Greenpoint.

Dr. Kiluvia was born in Tanzania, East Africa. After graduating from high school, he received a full scholarship to attend medical school at Turkey's most prestigious medical school, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey. After graduating from medical school he immigrated to United States in 1997 to pursue his residence. He first worked at New York City Fire Department as a medical reviewer.

Dr. Kiluvia started his residence in Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Cabrini from 2001 to 2005. He then did his Advanced Residence (fellowship) in Addiction Psychiatry at Yale University between 2005 and 2006. During his residence and fellowship, Dr. Kiluvia received several awards from American Psychiatric Association (APA). He received APA/ASTRAZENACA fellowship for outstanding minority resident in Psychiatry as a resident and APA/SAMHSA minority fellowship award during his fellowship.

Additionally, Dr. Kiluvia works part time at Rikers Island as a per diem Psychiatrist. Despite his busy work schedule, Dr. Kiluvia finds spare time to work as a Doping Control Officer (DCO) for International Doping Testing Management (IDTM), conducting doping tests on Olympic athletes. The job gives him opportunity to conduct doping tests in various major international sports tournaments including World Cup Soccer in South Africa (2010), US Open Tennis (2009), DN Galan Athletic Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden (2009 and 2010) and various other out- of-competition doping controls on high profile athletes in major international sports.

Dr. Kiluvia enjoys dancing, traveling, watching sports especially soccer, basketball and tennis. He is married to Zelda.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Dr. Moddy H. Kiluvia.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Julia Fenner Holland.

Julia Fenner Holland, a native North Carolinian, was born and raised in a little town called Scotland Neck. The middle child of eleven siblings, she received her formal education in the Halifax County Public School System and continued her education at the North Carolina Central University. Julia was an active participant in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. Upon moving to Brooklyn, New York in 1969, she enrolled in Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and later completed studies at New York State Stenotype Academy in Manhattan, New York.

Julia grew up in a wholesome rural environment where her parents instilled in their children the importance of sound religious values and education. She attributes her success in life to her parents who throughout their lives taught that one can attain anything in life by working hard and by having faith in God. In 1973, she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 2003. During her tenure with the U.S. Postal Service, she held executive positions with the postal union. In this position, she traveled widely to various foreign countries, and to nearly every state in the Union promoting women's rights in the workplace. Her vast experiences have impacted the lives of many people positively.

She began her fraternal career in the Prince Hall Masonic Family in 1986. Since becoming a member, she has served untiringly with grace and pride in various positions, voluntarily doing charitable and benevolent work in her community and across the State of New York to help make a better life for others. Julia's philanthropic spirit embodies the very nature of the ethos of the Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star.

In June 2009 Ms. Holland was elevated among her peers to the esteemed position of Grand Worthy Matron of Eureka Grand Chapter Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star., Incorporated, for the State of New York. In this position, she is the chief administrator of 53 subordinate chapters comprised of nearly three thousand members.

She grew up in the Baptist Church in North Carolina and in 1988 received the right hand of fellowship at Berean Baptist Church located in Brooklyn, New York, where she remains a member.

She finds time to read, sew, and practice developing graphic art images on the computer when she is not doing voluntary work in soup kitchens in the East New York section of Brooklyn.

The proud parent of two adult sons, Cedric and Christopher, she also had two lovely granddaughters, Naima and Nya. She emphatically states ``God has been good to me''.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Julia Fenner Holland.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gina Parham.

Gina Parharn was born on August 30, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York. She is the daughter of the late Gloria Green and mother of Tavelle S. Parham. Gina was raised by her extended family.

Gina received her education in the Public School System here in Brooklyn. She attended college in New York City, and has returned to

complete her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources. She accepted Christ and was baptized at the early age of ten, under the Pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Hylton L. James. Dr. James allowed the youth of Berean to take a part in the morning worship program and this is where her Christian journey began.

Her work experience spans from city to private corporations. She is presently employed by Vanguard Temporaries, New York and White Plains, New York as a Human Resources/Benefit Administrator and an Administrative Assistant. She loves to help others. Rarely will she turn anyone down if in need of her assistance. She is an event planner, loves to read, travel and cook.

Her past and present affiliations include the following: President and Dean of Pledges for Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc. Omicron Beta Chapter in Brooklyn; Officer and member of various youth organizations at Berean, such as the Girl Scouts, Jr. Ushers, Youth Lay League, Cherub Choir and Gregory Daffin Singers; Co-Chairperson on the Culinary and Decoration Committee for Women's Day Committee 2007; and was a student in Berean's Bible Institute. She currently serves as Assistant Financial Secretary and Luncheon Co-Chairperson for the Brooklyn Sunday School Union; she is a member of Church Women United in Brooklyn, Inc., Berean's Joint Usher Ministry, where she serves as a supervisor to the Jr. Usher Ministry, Berean Broadcaster and Sunday School Ministry. She also is a graduate of George T. Grier School of Ushering in June 2010.

Volunteering is important to Gina. She continues to do volunteer work three days a week or more at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, Epiphany Lutheran School. She volunteers for voter registration drives, assists seniors when in need, (i.e. shopping, going to the doctor or any other task they may ask of her). Gina loves to work with the seniors at Berean, especially on Senior Emphasis Sunday, an experience that brings joy to her heart.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Gina Parham.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Donna Evelyn Anderson White.

Ms. White was born on February 23, 1960, in Manhattan, New York, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended P.S. 103 and Montauk Junior High School for her elementary education, graduated with honors from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School and received a Bachelors of Arts in Humans Services from the University of Buffalo.

A strong love for children led Ms. White to become a teacher at the Trey Whitfield School. She started out as a substitute teacher at the school, but a commitment to the institution and its children kept her there. Now, after teaching Kindergarten for sixteen years at the Trey Whitfield School, Ms. White teaches Pre-K. Teaching has been her passion and one of her greatest joys in life; she loves helping students achieve their personal and academic goals. Ms. White is considered ``the other mother'' to some at the Trey Whitfield School because children can come and talk to her about anything. She strongly believes that in life, one cannot do it alone; as the old adage goes, ``it takes a village to raise a child.''

Ms. White has always enjoyed singing--whether at church or just for fun. She shares this passion by serving as the choir director for the Trey Whitfield School's Children's Concert Choir. This choir is seasoned! They sing from state to state and, under Ms. White's direction, bless people with beautiful music.

Ms. White recently received the Mary McLeod Bethune Award for Excellence in Education/Song Bird. For her continuous efforts in

the education for the children, this recognition was long overdue. After receiving this award and many other honors, Ms. White knows that she is not doing the work alone. God is on her side. Beyond her teaching duties, Ms. White proudly serves her community by tutoring and mentoring inner-city youth.

In addition to caring for children in the community, it should also be noted that Ms. White lives for her own children as well. She is a proud mother of two daughters: Whitney and Whynter. Whitney is a senior at Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Whynter is a sophomore at Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn, New York.

Ms. White owes all of her success to two women: Her mother, Patricia Robinson, and her deceased grandmother, Evelyn Jenkins. Ms. White's mother is not just a parental figure, but a best friend; her grandmother always provided guidance, telling her that, ``little becomes much when you place it in the Master's hand.'' Both women offered constant support, encouragement and taught her how to bring out the best in others. Ms. White stands on the shoulders of these two valiant women and her life is a testament to their love.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ms. Donna Evelyn Anderson White.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ann-Marie K. Foster.

Ann-Marie Karlene Goddard Foster was born to serve and help others. Born in Brooklyn, New York on June 22, 1969, she is the eldest of three children born to the late Marva Williams. After losing her mother to gun violence at the tender age of eight years old, Ann-Marie's desire to help others in her community began to take root. Ms. Foster was raised by her loving grandmother, Josephine Ellis, and her late grandfather, Clayton Ellis; her grandparents instilled in her that a solid education was the key to endless opportunities, and a mantra such as ``what is in your head can't nobody take it away from you.'' She graduated at the age of 16 with a Regents diploma from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1986. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1990 with intentions of serving in the health care community.

Upon her return to Brooklyn, her first employment opportunity was for the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) of New York working as a Medical Assistant. During her time at HIP serving in the Women's Health Division, she learned early the power of engaging women in caring for their health which ultimately could shape the health outcomes of the entire family. It was also during this time that she saw the necessity to have health care providers who could relate to a vulnerable population--those who often put other priorities ahead of their own health--women. As the HIV epidemic and the spread of STDs began to take its toll on the African American community, being able to communicate without judgment was the key to the center's success.

In 1991, she joined the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York and began a journey that would span 19 years in increasing administrative capacities. One of her most rewarding times was spent at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn where she met her mentor who would guide her career and allow her to spread her administrative wings. The seasoning of her experience at Woodhull prepared her for her most challenging opportunity to date. In June 2009, she was recruited to lead the oldest public hospital psychiatric program at Bellevue Hospital Center. Currently, Ms. Foster is the Senior Associate Executive Director of the Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry departments, which includes a 339 bed inpatient unit and multiple mental health ambulatory care services. She is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Ms. Foster is most proud of being the mother of two beautiful children, Maya, 13 and Myles, 9; both of whom attend independent schools in NYC. Ms. Foster finds time to be a class representative at her daughters' school, serve in the Parents' Association, mentor young women at the Lenox Road Baptist Church, where she is a member, and participate in community service projects. She continues to live in Brooklyn with her husband of fifteen years, Ray Foster, and her children.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Ann-Marie K. Foster.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joyce Marie Cannady.

Joyce Marie Cannady was born in Franklin, Virginia, to Sallie Irene and Jasper Williams. She has lived a life of service to others and continues to do so even as a retiree today.

Ms. Cannady began her work career as a Secretary for the Department of Social Services as a member of the executive staff team. During her tenure there, she excelled at meeting the day-to-day operation needs of the department. Always a good listener, she was tasked with the assignment of addressing complaints of the office.

In 1971, a co-worker informed her about a Medgar Evers College opening in Brooklyn. She accepted a position as the first Secretary in the Nursing Program, which began with sixteen students. Joyce helped set the tone and pace for the Nursing Program. She excelled in her position and received increasing levels of responsibilities over the years. In her role as Administrative Assistant to the Nursing Program Director, she was responsible for hiring and supervising support staff, scheduling student consultations and managing the on-going administrative operations.

Ms. Cannady retired after dedicating 30 years of service to an institution that continues to educate students by supporting its motto: ``Creating success one student at a time.'' She has also worked with the AmeriCorps program, serving as a reading and writing tutor for first and second grade students at P.S. 57 in Queens.

In her spare time, she dedicates her experience and talent to others. Her community activism began in the early 1980s, when she created the United Neighborhood Block Association in Queens and became its first President. The association was designed to increase the sense of community within the neighborhood. She also became a member of the Queens Village Civic Association, Queens Democratic Club, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Women's Caucus for Congressman Towns and AmeriCorps Alumni. She has served as a leader for other service committees. She was the Executive Secretary, District Council 37 Women's Committee and President of the Youth Department of Black Trade Unionists. As a member of the Retirees Committee, she continues to live a life of service and currently serves as the Executive Secretary for the Church of God In Christ Jesus, N.D. Inc. She is also proud to have been ordained as a Minister by her Bishop, W.H. Amos in 2008.

Ms. Cannady's contributions to others have not gone unnoticed. Over the years she has been awarded the Medgar Evers College Secretary of the Year Award, U.S. Air Force Special Presidential Citation, Administrative Assistant of the Year Award, DC 37 People Merit Award and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Youth Department Award.

She has been married for fifty years to Ivory; they are the proud parents of three adult daughters, Vernay, Valerie, and Aesha. She also has two sons-in-law, Eugene Simmons and Scott Lynch, and a granddaughter, Ashley Simmons.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Joyce Marie Cannady.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize December 1, 2010, as ``World AIDS Day''. This day was designated as such in 1988 by the World Health Organization and from then on, we have continued to uphold the tradition.

As we embark upon the thirtieth year of the HIV/AIDS virus, we should reflect on so many Americans and others around the world that have died from this devastating disease. My district of Brooklyn, New York is considered the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States for African Americans, women, adolescents, and children. With this alarming revelation, 87 percent, of which 7 percent are under the age of 13, are persons of color living with the HIV/AIDS virus. Brooklyn has been heavily affected by this deadly disease for over the past three decades and we have the city's highest prevalence rates. It was estimated that 27,000 Brooklyn residents were living with HIV/AIDS in 2008, and 1,027 were newly diagnosed. There are several thousand more who are infected with the virus, but don't even know it! That's why it is critical to get this message out across the nation: get tested, it could save your life.

Today, on World AIDS Day, the mayor of my home state of New York, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced a new initiative to fight against HIV/AIDS called ``Brooklyn Knows''. This is a community-based test effort that aims to help a half-million Brooklyn residents learn their HIV status over the next four yours. It highlights the city's leadership to date in making HIV testing a routine part of health care.

Like the World Health Organization and my great state of New York, I want to encourage everyone to take a stand by putting in place preventive mechanisms to eradicate this deadly disease. I want to be clear that I am not asking you to solve this epidemic alone, but I feel it is our responsibility to take whatever steps and measures are necessary to put into place mandatory requirements for our medical providers to offer voluntary HIV testing to their patients.

Once again, I ask that we all take a stand and make a difference to ensure another life is saved from this deadly disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the month of November being designated as National Hospice Awareness Month. We may hear of hospice care from friends or colleagues that have had the unfortunate experience of placing their loved one in a hospice facility. Oftentimes, when we hear the word hospice, we think of it as a cold and uncaring place that our loved one may transition to before their final resting place. However, ``hospice'' care is a compassionate approach to caring for those who are faced with a life-limiting illness. It provides families with the supportive services that not only keep the patient comfortable, but educates the family and provides emotional support.

Hospice care brings together a team of specifically trained professionals and volunteers who work with the patient's doctor to provide a plan of care designed to control the pain and ease end-of- life struggles for the patient and family. The typical hospice team consists of the patient's physician and the hospice physician; registered nurses; social workers; spiritual care coordinators; bereavement counselors; dietitians; pharmacists; physical, occupational and speech therapists; home care aides; and volunteers. Some patients even benefit from having access to music, art and massage therapists as well, all of which are services provided in hospice care.

In the state of New York, there are over 20 specialized Hospice and Palliative Care facilities, three of which are in my district. If you read the testimonies from family members who have received any type of hospice service for a loved one, I believe that you would have a different outlook and better understanding of hospice care. Hospice is covered under Medicare Part A, Medicaid and private insurance. It is truly underutilized by those who would benefit the most and many hospices will not turn anyone away based on their ability to pay.

In closing, I no longer want you to think of ``hospice'' care as cold and uncaring, but a philosophy of services available to you and your loved one. The kind of health care services that are available round the clock; services that don't end once your loved one have

gone to their final resting place, but bereavement services that extends beyond that timeframe and as needed. Therefore, it is important for me to recognize the many organizations that provide these specialized services in a nation that is hurting from so many crises on a daily basis. I want to recognize and honor these facilities around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge November as National Diabetes Month. This is a time for us to officially recognize the importance of and to increase the awareness of this relentless, debilitating and--without question deadly disease. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the consequences of diabetes are far more serious than many people realize. This month is an opportunity for Americans to look at diabetes differently and to get involved to stop and prevent this disease.

Currently, there are nearly 24 million American children and adults who have diabetes; there are another 57 million Americans that have prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing the disease. Every minute three people are diagnosed with diabetes and over 700,000 New Yorkers have the disease--almost a third do not know they have it and more than 100,000 of them with very poorly controlled diabetes are at high risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is more than $174 billion annually. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the United States could exceed $218 billion each year if people do not have access to the tools necessary to manage their diabetes. Every day, nearly 200 people with diabetes will undergo an amputation, 130 people enter end-stage kidney disease programs and 50 people go blind from diabetes. Diabetes kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

Diabetes is not merely a condition; it is a disease with deadly consequences. Drastic action is needed from everyone for we simply cannot afford to continue to ignore this epidemic. The most critical thing you can do is to take control of your own health and to encourage your family and community to do the same. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take if you have or are at risk for developing diabetes. Everyone can start by knowing the ``ABCs of diabetes''; this will help in keeping it under control, as well as, prevent or delay any serious and deadly complications. The ABCs are simple and consist of the following:

Average Glucose--Most people with diabetes should check their A1C (a measure of average glucose) every 3 to 6 months. The A1C test measures how well they are managing their diabetes over time. A1C can also be reported as estimated Average Glucose, or eAG. In most cases, it is important to keep A1C less than 7 percent (eAG less than 154 mg/dl).

Blood Pressure--People with diabetes should have a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg.

Cholesterol--LDL (bad) cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dl; HDL (healthy) cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women; triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dl.

Diabetes is an epidemic in New York City, fueled by the increase in obesity nationwide and worldwide. In the past 15 years, the number of people with diabetes in NYC has more than doubled. In 2008, 550,000 New Yorkers reported being diagnosed with diabetes. Though serious, diabetes can be prevented and controlled--weight management is an important step.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor, participate in some form of physical activity, maintain a healthy diet and take your medications. These are just a few preventive measures that you can do in taking control of your diabetes. So, please join me in recognizing November as National Diabetes Month and increasing the awareness by jump starting your way to a healthier life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the Republic of Turkey on the occasion of the 87th anniversary of Republic Day.

On October 29, 1923, the new republic was declared in the new capital of Ankara. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, and his leadership proved essential to the foundation for the secular republic. In recent decades, the republic has strengthened politically and economically.

Turkey's membership in NATO, beginning in 1952, has been one facet of a strong relationship between Turkey and the United States. It is important that our two nations continue to work together toward our common goals.

I extend my best wishes to the citizens of Turkey, and urge my colleagues to recognize this important occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the DREAM Act.

We are a nation built by the hard work and personal achievements of immigrants. We

must take strides to move immigration reform forward and now is the time to do it. Now is the time to help millions of young people achieve the American Dream.

Improving access to education for immigrants is an important piece of reform. Education has always been a priority of mine and, in order to build a stronger nation, we should encourage those who want to become Americans to pursue their education.

The DREAM Act also allows for permanent resident status to be given to those who served for two years in the military. It is only fitting that we afford this status to individuals who are willing to lay down their lives if need be for the protection of this great nation.

My esteemed colleagues, I urge you to uphold the ideals of the American Dream; vote in favor of the DREAM Act. Thank you.