Honoring the American Lung Association's Health Advocates of the Year

HONORING THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION'S HEALTH ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR

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HON. DALE E. KILDEE

OF MICHIGAN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, November 1, 2001

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the American Lung Association of Michigan-Genesee Valley Region's 2001 Health Advocate of the Year honorees. The awards will be presented to the Corporate Health Advocate and the Individual Health Advocate at a banquet to be held on November 7th. McLaren Health Care Corporation is the recipient of the Corporate Health Advocate Award. In addition to being recognized in the Top 10 integrated health networks in the United States by Modern Healthcare Magazine, McLaren's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was the first in Michigan to be accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The Pulmonary Program is part of a five year National Emphysema Therapy Trial through the University of Michigan, studying the surgical benefits of Lung Volume Reduction surgery for emphysema. Concurrently, the MaLaren Pulmonary Program partners with several lung transplant programs to provide pre and postoperative care to transplant patients. McLaren's community involvement encompasses their participation in a mini-grant program to teach youngsters about the dangers of smoking, participating in the Freedom from Smoking classes sponsored by the American Lung Association, working with the American Lung Association of Michigan Asthma Committee, the SMART Coalition, the Greater Flint Health Coalition, Open Airways for Schools, Kids on the Block, and a having a representative on the American Lung Association of Michigan Regional Board of Directors. Dr. Cory Cookingham is the recipient of the Individual Health Advocate of the Year Award. Dr. Cookingham met the criteria to be honored with this award by his continued involvement and advocacy for health lung issues. After graduating from medical school in 1953, Dr. Cookingham served internships and residencies in Hawaii, Flint and Ann Arbor. In 1958 he completed an allergy residency and went on to found the Allergy Clinic at Mott Children's Health Center. He continued his work at Mott Children's Health Center for several years until he entered private practice in 1961. During this time he was the Allergy Fellow at the University of Michigan Hospital as an instructor in the Department of Pediatrics. In 1963 Dr. Cookingham started the first Smoking Withdrawal Clinic. Since that time, he has been certified by the Pediatric Allergy Board, and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He has served as the President of the Genesee Valley Lung Association, the Director of the Michigan Lung Association, the President of the Flint Rotary Club, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development--Michigan State University and as a Clinical Professor with the same school. Dr. Cookingham has published several articles and professional papers during his medical career. He has expanded his private practice and now serves patients in four locations, Flint, Clarkston, Frankenmuth and Port Huron. He has worked tirelessly to promote better care for patients with compromised pulmonary function. His advocacy on behalf of his patients has sensitized many to the need for preventive care and an improved environment. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in honoring both McLaren Health Care Corporation and Dr. Cory Cookingham along with the American Lung Association. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the tremendous work they perform every day improving the quality of life for all Americans.

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