U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)

Awarded Inaugural Mickey Leland Political Achievement Award from ABHP

April 21, 2010 

To be received at the Association of Black Health-System Pharmacist’s (ABHP) 2010 Minority Health Conference on Friday, May 21st, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Renaissance Houston Hotel - Greenway Ballroom

Houston, TX

Jackson Lee will be presented first-ever pharmacist association award recognizing Leland, for political achievement in health care

What:   The Mickey Leland Political Achievement Award, named for the noted pharmacist and senator from Texas, honors an individual, a team of individuals, or an organization that has performed special service in state or national political and legislative affairs that strengthen, improve, and further the interests and vision of the ABHP and pharmacists in general. This award is given to those individuals who best personify the spirit of Mickey Leland and whose work will have a significant impact on the community at large. This award recognizes outstanding service in the area of political and legislative action during a single association year or over an extended period of time. Nominees should reflect the ABHP vision and values as continually demonstrated in their outstanding contributions at all levels of the legislative and political process. U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will be awarded The Mickey Leland Political Achievement Award at the Association of Black Health-System Pharmacist’s (ABHP) 2010 Minority Health Conference on Friday, May 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Greenway Ballroom of the Renaissance Houston Hotel in Houston, TX.

Why:    Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has been an adamant supporter of health care reform legislation, along with civil rights and immigration issues. Jackson Lee is serving her eighth term as a member of the United States House of Representatives. She represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, centered in Houston, which is the energy capital of the world. 

    Minority issues have been the forefront of Jackson Lee’s political career. From joining with other Texas Democrats to rebut Texas Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott’s legal claims challenging the historic health care reform legislation to South Africa to decry racism and has backed sanctions against Sudan and advocating relief in Haiti, Jackson Lee’s advocacy knows no borders.

    As part of three Congressional Committees — House Committees on the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security — and Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection of the Homeland Security Committee, Jackson Lee has made a name for herself.  She has been hailed by Ebony magazine as one of the "100 Most Fascinating Black Women of the 20th Century." "Congressional Quarterly" named Congresswoman Jackson Lee as one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress. "U.S. News and World Report" named her as one of the 10 most influential legislators in the House of Representatives. And the "Houston Chronicle" named her as one of the most influential and prolific legislators on Capitol Hill.

    These reasons, among many others, is why the ABHP has chosen Jackson Lee to receive the inaugural Mickey Leland Political Achievement Award, for her continuing dedication to the political and legislative process, and to advocacy for the protection and improvement of the health status of all people.

Who is George “Mickey” Leland?: The ABHP will honor the noted Senator and pharmacist from Texas, George “Mickey” Leland, by changing the name of its Legislative Achievement Award to the Mickey Leland Political Achievement Award.

Mickey Leland graduated from Texas Southern University (TSU) School of Pharmacy in 1970. While attending TSU, Leland became a vocal leader of the civil rights movement and continued to be a champion for the poor and the disempowered through out his brilliant political career. He strongly believed that the poor, the hungry and the less fortunate should have equal access to health care and fought strongly for legislative change long before it was called health care reform. In a communication with his wife, Mrs. Alison Leland, she stated, “Mickey was very proud of being a pharmacist and healthcare was his passion. It is an honor to have this award named for him.”

Conference Details

This conference is designed to educate health care practitioners about conditions to which ethnic groups may be predisposed, cultural differences that should be considered when developing treatment plans, and tools and information that can help ensure adherence. 

The goals of the three-day conference are to:

• Educate health care providers on minority health issues and the associated disparities among minority populations.
• Present new and emerging diagnostic and treatment modalities for managing diseases that impact minority populations.
• Provide opportunities for skill building, information-sharing, and networking.
• Provide a forum for the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and strategies to address health disparities among minority populations.
• Provide practical tools to improve outcomes for those at highest risk for poor health, including minorities and economically disadvantaged populations.

This conference is planned and conducted by the Association of Black Health-System Pharmacists. Complete conference information is available at http://myabhp.org/ABHP2009.htm

To Register: All press must register to gain access to the conference events. To arrange for a complimentary registration, contact ABHP at 954-296-7466.  After May 14, please contact the staff onsite at the conference.

ABHP strives to represent Black and minority health-system pharmacists and is dedicated to the growth and development of their pharmacy practice in health care facilities. The association provides up-to-date educational programs on minority health issues to help members improve their professional skills and the quality of care that they provide in their area of pharmacy practice.  ABHP serves as a liaison and facilitates communication with other pharmacy associations and organizations concerned with health care. Please visit ABHP’s Website, www.myabhp.org/