June 17, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 112 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S3060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO DR. AMY ACTON

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise today to express my 
appreciation for a great Ohioan and public servant, Dr. Amy Acton, for 
her leadership and expertise while serving as the director of the Ohio 
Department of Health.
  Born and raised in Youngstown, OH, Dr. Acton knew she wanted to be a 
doctor from a young age. She attended Northeastern Ohio University 
School of Medicine, studying pediatrics and preventive medicine. Dr. 
Acton continued her education, earning a master's degree in public 
health from the Ohio State University, where she went on to teach as an 
associate professor.
  In 2019, Governor Mike DeWine appointed her to lead our State' s 
health department, the first woman to hold the position in Ohio's 
history.
  That job is always critical, public health is one of the most 
important jobs our government does, and until a few months ago, it was 
too often underappreciated. But 17 months ago, few could have predicted 
just how vital Dr. Acton's role would be, as she stepped up to lead 
Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 22, 2020, while much 
of the Nation was still in denial about the quickly evolving pandemic, 
Dr. Acton led the charge and issued a statewide stay at home order, 
making Ohio one of the first States to do so. Understanding that the 
best leaders are open and honest, Dr. Acton participated in the 
Governor's daily press conferences. She answered questions and helped 
explain the threat of COVID-19 and the actions her department was 
taking to keep Ohioans safe through clever analogies, from brewing 
storms to Swiss cheese.
  Throughout the spring, under Dr. Acton's leadership, Ohio continued 
to lead the country in taking bold action to slow COVID-19's spread. 
Dr. Acton's early intervention, supported by science and data, saved 
lives and significantly slowed the spread of the virus in Ohio.
  Dr. Acton put the life and well-being of people over politics. She 
used empathy and honesty to educate, inform, and comfort Ohioans in 
uncertain times, exceeding the duties expected of her, to ensure the 
health and safety of her fellow Ohioans.
  Thank you, Dr. Acton, for your wisdom, bravery, and compassion 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your leadership saved countless lives 
in Ohio. I am sure my Senate colleagues will join me in thanking Dr. 
Amy Acton for her exemplary efforts.

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