Congresswoman Laura Richardson Rises to Honor the 2012 Graduates of Charles Drew University

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 2012 graduates of Charles Drew University in Los Angeles. This unique school is a true national treasure. Formally established in 1966 as a postgraduate medical school, CDU is a private, non-profit, minority-serving medical and health science institution. But it is much more than that; it is one of only four historically black graduate institutions in this country, and the only one located west of the Mississippi.

The men and women who graduate from this institution go on to have remarkable careers. Since 1971, when the first student matriculated, CDU has graduated over 550 physicians, 1,200 physician assistants, 2,800 physician specialists and numerous other healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, most of whom dedicated their careers working in underserved communities.

In Los Angeles County nearly one in every three minority doctors were trained at CDU, and graduates of the College of Medicine are two to three times more likely to practice in diverse and medically underserved communities than physicians trained in other medical schools. The school is simply indispensable to the minority communities in LA County.

African Americans, who account for only 13 percent of the U.S. population, account for more than 50 percent of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. African Americans die from diabetes at twice the rate of white Americans, and die from cancer at a rate 25.4% higher than white Americans.

Mr. Speaker, these statistics are grim, and there are many more shocking health disparities that exist between racial groups in our country. This is why health research institutions, like CDU, that are focused on eradicating these disparities are of vital importance.

With so many patients to serve, it is critical that we have enough trained health care professionals to adequately serve all communities, especially those that are economically disadvantaged like the area surrounding CDU. The graduates that emerge from this institution are fundamental in fulfilling that role.

As the Member of Congress for the 37th District of California in which the Charles Drew University is located, I am personally familiar with CDU's accomplished record of service. Each member of the graduating class has chosen a career path that will not only be exciting and rewarding, but will make a true difference in the lives of so many people.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor this exceptional University, and the 2012 graduates who will be moving on to provide health care with excellence and compassion. I know that it will be men and women like them that will transform the health of underserved communities.