[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1237-E1238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO JOANN LUM ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 15, 2005 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor JoAnn Lum. Ms. Lum, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, recently won the Nation's [[Page E1238]] highest community health leadership honor for mobilizing sweatshop workers and Lower Manhattan victims of 9/11 to seek improved access to benefits and quality health services as part of a larger effort to gain control of their lives. Ms. Lum is one of 10 outstanding individuals from across the country chosen to receive this year's Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program award. While growing up in California, Lum observed the hardships suffered by her father and other relatives as they put in long hours as `houseboys,' busboys and garment workers. During a stint in the Manhattan Borough President's office in the early 1990s, she volunteered as an English teacher for Chinese immigrants and was inspired by the impact of workers organizing to improve conditions. Ms. Lum founded the National Mobilization Against SweatShops (NMASS) to harness the power of worker campaigns to create healthier workplaces and communities. She works primarily with Latina, Afro-Caribbean, Polish and African American women and men. In one project, she is targeting injured workers' access to benefits and medical treatment, campaigning to overhaul the Workers' Compensation system. In addition, she is calling for an end to `forced overtime' and other unfair practices, to prevent injuries among more workers. A testament to Ms. Lum's work is a statement from a Polish immigrant who suffered chemical injuries as an asbestos worker and received assistance from Ms. Lum's organization: ``I joined NMASS after being denied my Workers'' Compensation benefits numerous times. I was alone and felt powerless, with no money or health care. JoAnn not only assisted me to get needed medical treatment, but has opened my eyes to how disabled workers like myself can join together to advocate for fair health benefits.'' Another NMASS initiative launched by Lum, called ``Beyond Ground Zero,'' is a coalition of pubic health advocates, doctors, clergy and community groups that came together in response to the health crisis among Lower Manhattan's poor population following 9/11. The coalition compelled private entities to create disaster health insurance for individuals working in Lower Manhattan whose health and income were damaged by 9/11. And in Partnership with Bellevue Hospital, the coalition started a treatment and documentation program for respiratory problems and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms experienced by victims who were largely ignored by other relief efforts. More than 3,000 people attended two Lower Manhattan town hall meetings organized by Ms. Lum. Ultimately, her coalition assisted 10,000 poor families in accessing medical coverage and treatment or disaster relief. Ms. Lum's coalition continues to advodate for public and private support for programs that address the longterm health needs of the working poor in Lower Manhattan. ``JoAnn is gifted with the ability to create a movement where the people who must speak for themselves are the center of the work,'' said one of Lum's nominators. The Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program distributes $1.2 million each year to innovators who have creatively surmounted obstacles to meet the challenges of providing health care and social services to the underserved members of their communities. Ms. Lum and this year's other winners will be honored at a June event in Washington, D.C. She will receive $105,000 to apply to her program and a $15,000 personal award. Ms. Lum was chosen from nearly 700 people nominated this year. Since 1992, the program has given 133 awards in 45 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Award winners are nominated by civic leaders, health professionals, government representatives and others inspired by their efforts to provide essential health services to their communities. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Lum is motivated by the disparity and inconsistencies that she observes in her community. She believes that a commitment to help those who are regarded as less fortunate is a small price to pay. Her commitment in turn inspires others to continue to strive for a better future. Ms. Lum is more than worthy of our recognition today. ____________________