RECOGNIZING TWO MAINE CONSTITUENTS, DR. MICHAEL TAYLOR AND WENDY TAYLOR; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 37
(Extensions of Remarks - February 28, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING TWO MAINE CONSTITUENTS, DR. MICHAEL TAYLOR AND WENDY TAYLOR
______
HON. CHELLIE PINGREE
of maine
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Ms. PINGREE. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize two of my Maine
constituents, Dr. Michael Taylor and Wendy Taylor, whose shared vision,
determination, and commitment have changed and saved lives in Northern
Haiti and engaged countless Mainers in support of better health and
better lives.
Over seventy years ago, the founding documents of the World Health
Association proclaimed that ``The enjoyment of the highest attainable
standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human
being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic
or social condition.''
Michael and Wendy Taylor have long believed in this right, and they
recognized the extraordinary need in Haiti. In establishing Konbit
Sante in 2001, they committed to supporting the development of an
improved health care system to meet the needs of the Cap Haitien
community. Their vision was to ensure maximum local direction and
partnerships within the existing system rather than the creation of a
parallel system. And they knew that it was important to not just
improve access to health care, but to improve the quality of that care.
The beauty of this effort has been in the Konbit--which, in Haitian
Creole, loosely translates to working together for a common goal.
Rather than providing short-term expertise, Konbit Sante's focus has
been on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing training, and ensuring
necessary resources. Right from the start, the Taylors recognized that
real, sustainable improvements in an under-resourced health system
required taking the long view. This has not been fast nor always easy,
but this capacity building model--trusting and supporting Haitians to
serve Haitians--has yielded extraordinary results.
Michael and Wendy have had successful careers, raised children,
enjoyed art and music, nurtured deep and enduring friendships, and
travelled the world--always coming back to coastal Maine. Along the way
they have invested their time, talents, and resources in doing good,
making lasting contributions for the betterment of humankind and
inspiring so many others to join them.
Dr. Taylor is receiving the 2019 Presidential Citation today from the
American Academy of Dermatologists in recognition of his extraordinary
contributions to the people of Haiti. His wife and Konbit Sante
cofounder, Wendy, will be at his side. I want to congratulate them
both, as they make me proud to represent the good people of Maine.
____________________
