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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING CARMEN VELÁSQUEZ UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM ALIVIO MEDICAL CENTER
Whereas, Carmen Velásquez, was born in Chicago to Arturo, a Mexican immigrant who would move to Chicago and start a successful jukebox business and Shirley Velásquez, and sister to Arthur Raymond, Maria Elena and Edward; and
Whereas, Carmen earned a B.S. in Social Science from Loyola University Chicago in 1963 and a M.Ed. in Spanish and Mexican Literature and History from the University of the Americas in Puebla, México in 1973; and
Whereas, Carmen has been a passionate and tireless leader in the Latino community on the issues of comprehensive immigration reform, universal health care, workforce development, and human rights; and
Whereas, Carmen has dedicated her life to social change as a community organizer, social worker, and bilingual education specialist; and
Whereas, Carmen's immigrant and life experience fueled the fire within her to fight for basic health care services for her community, especially for those most vulnerable, the uninsured and undocumented; and
Whereas, Carmen founded Alivio Medical Center in 1989 as a bilingual, bicultural, non-profit community health center by raising $2.1 million to build the first Alivio Medical Center clinic at 2355 S. Western Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Carmen's leadership has guided the growth of Alivio Medical Center for 25 years and now serves more than 28,000 patients annually at its two clinics in Pilsen, one clinic in Cicero, and three school-based community health clinics located in the Little Village Lawndale High School, the John Spry Community School & Community Links High School, and the José Clemente Orozco Community Academy; and
WHEREAS, Carmen's passion and leadership for the underserved led to her appointment to the Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board of Directors on June 19, 2012; and
Whereas, Carmen has received many awards throughout her impressive service including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Lifetime Achievement Award; the National Council of La Raza Helen Rodriguez -Trias Health Award; the Campaign for Better Health Care Social Justice Award; the Puerto Rican Cultural Center Juan Antonio Corretje 2013 Bartolo Hernández de Jesús Lifetime Achievement Award; Hispanic Business The 100 Influential Thought Leaders Award; American College of Physicians Richard & Hinda Rosenthal Foundation Award; and, the Premio Ohtli, the highest honor bestowed by the Government of México on an individual for outstanding contribution to Mexicans living abroad; and
Whereas, Carmen was honored by hundreds of supporters, colleagues, friends, and community members at the Alivio Medical Center 25th Anniversary Gala on Friday, January 24, 2014.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved THAT the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby congratulate Carmen Velásquez for 25 years at the helm of Alivio Medical Center and an impressive and extraordinary life of service and commitment to the most vulnerable members of the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Carmen Velásquez with our thanks and sincere wishes for good health and happiness during her retirement.
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