[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17930] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MINORITY EDUCATORS, INC. 33RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE--SEPTEMBER 17-21, 2008 ______ HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD of north carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, July 31, 2008 Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor today to rise and recognize the National Association of Medical Minority Educators, Inc., also known as NAMME, for their years of support for health professionals from traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged populations. Established in 1975, NAMME aims to increase the presence of minority health care providers. To achieve this goal, the founding members of NAMME have worked tirelessly over the years to provide motivated students with access to education, training, and practice in the health care profession. Since its inception, NAMME has strived to prepare students for success in health related fields including dentistry, optometry, public health, and veterinary medicine. The organization holds as its core values its ability to develop and sustain productive relationships and to produce action oriented programming for stakeholders. NAMME has established an extraordinary reputation of providing exceptional professional development opportunities for its members. NAMME is hopeful that these significant opportunities will ultimately translate to the reduction in health disparities among underserved populations. Madam Speaker, I commend NAMME for its vision and foresight in identifying this service which is so greatly needed in disadvantaged communities. Today, with alumni across the country, NAMME stands as one of the leading organizations for providing the type of training and informational resources that will greatly benefit small communities. Programs are available that nurture and support individuals through all stages in their pursuit of a career in health care. NAMME will hold its 33rd Annual Conference in Arlington, Virginia on September 17-21, 2008 where House Majority Whip, The Honorable James E. Clyburn will serves as the keynote presenter. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, I hope that you will join me today in honoring NAMME and the substantial contributions this organization has made to provide access to health care education for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. ____________________