E2050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 6, 1999 crack I made about him for the rest of my —Franklin, the ‘‘Queen of Soul’’ who has tinuing its work to improve the quality of life life. won 17 Grammys. and healthcare for Kosovar Albanians. I want to say again, as I did today and as —Designer and architect Michael Graves, Mr. Speaker, to answer critics who are Hillary did, that this is one of the most en- who created some of century’s most admired joyable and important days of every year to questioning their work and commitment in structures, including the Riverbend Music Kosovo, I submit the following explanation of us, because it gives America a chance to rec- Center in Cincinnati. ognize our sons and daughters who have en- —Odetta, the ‘‘Queen of American Folk their work into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. riched our lives, made us laugh, made us Music,’’ who created a groundbreaking sound UNFPA’S WORK IN KOSOVO think, made us cry, lifted us up when we with her voice and guitar. The United Nations Population Fund were down. In so many ways, all of you have —The Juilliard School of performing arts (UNFPA) is working in Kosovo as part of the touched so many people that you will never in New York, which includes among its United Nations humanitarian and develop- know. But in all of them accumulated, you alumni comedian-actor Robin Williams, cel- ment effort. The United Nations has set up a have made America a better place, you’ve list Yo-Yo Ma and jazz and classical trum- civil administration in the province of made the world a finer place. peter and composer Wynton Marsalis. Kosovo, under Security Council Resolution And as we look to the new century, I hope —Writer and director Norman Lear, who 1244 (1999) of 10 June 1999. UNFPA is working that as time goes on we will be known more created some of the century’s most popular along with other United Nations agencies in and more for things beyond our wealth and television social comedies, including ‘‘All in Kosovo and is a cooperative partner in the power, that go to the wealth and power of the Family,’’ ‘‘Good Times’’ and ‘‘The Jeffer- health sector under the leadership of the our spirit. Insofar as that happens, it will be sons.’’ World Health Organization (WHO). As in all because of you and people like you. And it —Actress and producer Rosetta LeNoire, its programmes, UNFPA strictly adheres to was a privilege for all of us to honor you who boasts a more than 60-year career that internationally agreed human rights conven- today. includes numerous movies, Broadway pro- tions and standards and to the Programme of I would like to ask all of you here to join ductions and TV shows, including ‘‘Family Action of the International Conference on me in a toast to the 1999 winners of the Matters’’ and ‘‘Amen.’’ Population and Development, held in Cairo Medal of Arts and the Medal of Humanities. in 1994. And welcome. Thank you. —Arts administrator Harvey Lichtenstein, who was president of the Brooklyn Academy UNFPA’S EMERGENCY RELIEF OPERATIONS ARTS MEDALS of Music for 32 years and established it as a When the refugee crisis in Kosovo began, (By Joseph Schumann) leading arts center. UNFPA responded quickly to ensure that WASHINGTON (AP).—As Aretha Franklin, —Singer Lydia Mendoza, who brought those fleeing the province had access to crit- Steven Spielberg and August Wilson passed Mexican-American music to the public’s at- ical reproductive health services. The Office through a White House receiving line, Presi- tention and became famous in Latin Amer- of the United Nations High Commissioner for dent Clinton was overheard telling one ica with her signature song, ‘‘Mal Hombre.’’ Refugees (UNHCR), the lead United Nations guest, ‘‘If I could make Keillor laugh, I knew —Sculptor George Segal, who made a ca- agency responsible for refugees, formally that I had achieved.’’ reer of sculpting environments, including a asked UNFPA to serve as co-ordinator for re- Humorist Garrison Keillor, director life-sized bread line at the Franklin Delano productive health service. The Fund con- Spielberg, soul diva Franklin, playwright Roosevelt Memorial in Washington. ducted a rapid needs assessment from 6 to 13 Wilson, and 14 others, as well as the Juilliard —Tallchief, who was the New York City April 1999; sent materials, supplies and School for the performing arts, were awarded Ballet’s longtime prima ballerina. equipment for safe delivery, safe blood trans- national arts and humanities medals The 1999 winners of the National Human- fusion, treatment of sexually transmitted Wednesday, chosen by the White House as ities Medals are: diseases, management of miscarriages, and American cultural treasures. —Librarian Patricia M. Battin, who orga- treatment for victims of sexual violence. The medals go to individuals or institu- nized a national campaign to save millions Also, a total of 350,000 packets of sanitary tions supporting the growth and availability of decaying books by putting their content towels and 14,000 pairs of underwear were of the arts and humanities to the general on microfilm. purchased for distribution during the crisis. public. In essence, UNFPA’s major contribution to —Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and jour- ‘‘It gives America a chance to recognize meeting the needs of the Kosovo refugees our sons and daughters who have enriched nalist Taylor Branch, whose books, including was to supply emergency reproductive health our lives, made us laugh, made us think, ‘‘Parting the Waters: America in the King kits and other reproductive health equip- made us cry, lifted us up when we were Years,’’ made him an authority on the civil ment to refugee camps in Albania and the down,’’ Clinton said at a White House dinner rights movement. former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and honoring the medal winners. —New South scholar Jacquelyn Dowd Hall, to maternity hospitals throughout Albania. Earlier in the day, Clinton referred to who founded the Southern Oral History UNFPA procured emergency reproductive Keillor—a writer and radio impresario best Project at the University of North Carolina- health kits to meet the needs of approxi- known for his public radio show, ‘‘A Prairie Chapel Hill. mately 350,000 people for a period of 3 to 6 Home Companion’’—as ‘‘our modern-day —Keillor, best-selling author and radio months. In Albania, emergency reproductive Mark Twain.’’ host of ‘‘A Prairie Home Companion.’’ health kits were supplied to refugee camps in ‘‘With imagination, wit and also with a —Television anchor and editor Jim Lehrer, Kukes, Korca and Elbasan and to a total of steel trap mind and deep conviction, Garri- host of a public television news program 10 hospitals and maternity clinics. In addi- son Keillor has brought us together,’’ said named for him. tion, UNFPA facilitated the donation of two the president. —Political philosopher and author John ultrasound machines from a private com- He said Keillor’s humor and variety show Rawls, renowned for his views on justice, pany to the Albanian Ministry of Health. about life in a fictitious small town in Min- basic rights and equal opportunity. UNFPA’s emergency reproductive health nesota ‘‘constantly reminds us how we’re all —Academy Award-winning filmmaker supplies included: connected and how it ought to keep us a lit- Spielberg. Individual clean delivery kits for use if tle humble.’’ —Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Wil- medical facilities are unavailable. The kit At a ceremony at Constitution Hall near son whose plays, including ‘‘The Piano Les- includes soap, plastic sheeting, pictorial in- the White House, Clinton said this year’s son’’ and ‘‘Fences,’’ explore the black experi- structions and a razor blade to cut the um- winners of the National Medal of Arts and ence in America. Wilson is formerly of St. bilical cord; the National Humanities Medal ‘‘defined in Paul. Delivery equipment—for use by trained their own unique ways a part of who we are personnel to deal with both normal and com- as a people and what we’re about as a nation f plicated deliveries, as well as referral-level as we enter a new century and a new millen- UNITED NATIONS’ POPULATION equipment to be used in hospitals to perform nium.’’ Caesarean sections and to resuscitate moth- American Indian ballet dancer Maria FUND (UNFPA) WORK IN KOSOVO ers and babies; Tallchief and folk singer Odetta were among Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) kit— the musicians, writers and arts patrons so HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY intended to diagnose and treat STDs and ex- honored this year. plain how to prevent contraction; Odetta’s 50 years of performing American OF NEW YORK Safe blood transfusion equipment; folk and gospel reminds ‘‘us all that songs IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Then, in early May, UNFPA sent an expert on the treatment of sexual violence and war have the power to change the heart and Wednesday, October 6, 1999 change the world,’’ Clinton said. trauma to assess the needs of women victims Tallchief helped put an American stamp on Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to of such violence. Interviews with them classical ballet, until recent decades a pri- call attention to the work UNFPA is doing in showed that a considerable degree of sexual marily European discipline, Clinton said. Kosovo. UNFPA is helping Kosovo rebuild violence had occurred and that there were The 1999 winners of the National Medal of urgent needs for the treatment and counsel- the Arts are: from the war, improving medical care for men, ling of women, their families and commu- —Arts patron Irene Diamond, who gave women and children, making deliveries safer, nities. UNFPA set up a training programme more than $73 million to the arts through and providing a full range of healthcare serv- for health and relief workers of non-govern- foundations and personal gifts. ices. While the war is over, UNFPA is con- mental organizations (NGOs) working with CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2051 refugees and for international and national the province. It is designed to raise their Bowling Green State University, he entered medical staff in Albania and the former awareness of reproductive health needs and the Peace Corps as a volunteer school teach- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. to provide basic and refresher training in er, instructing schoolchildren in East Africa. REHABILITATION OF KOSOVO basic reproductive health skills. The issue of sexual and other violence Upon his return, he spent sixteen years teach- Following the cessation of hostilities and ing high school government and social studies the return of refugees to Kosovo, UNFPA, against women in Kosovo is a very serious along with other United Nations agencies, issue. UNFPA has sent an expert on sexual at Genova High School. quickly established an office in Pristina, the violence to the province to report on ways in Darrell began his political career by serving capital of the province. As part of the civil which the health system and health workers as an Ottawa County Commissioner for ten administration authorized by the United Na- in Kosovo can address these issues in a cul- years. During this time, he helped form the Ot- turally sensitive manner. Another compo- tions Security Council, UNFPA is a member tawa County Visitors Bureau and the Commu- of the Joint Civil Commission on Health, nent of UNFPA’s strategy in the area of which is responsible for developing health health, education and community services nity Improvement Corporation. These organi- policy and which includes representatives focuses on mental health, particularly the zations have improved the quality of life in his from the United Nations and from all of the mental health of women. Violations of district, as each implemented programs to cre- communities in Kosovo. UNFPA heads the human rights and human dignity have been ate more jobs and support local businesses. used as a systematic way of conducting war Reproductive Health Policy Task Force of Darrell was elected to the Ohio House of the Joint Civil Commission and the Repro- and have left profound scars that may not ductive Health Coordination Committee, disappear. Victims of torture or violence, be Representatives, where during his first term he which includes representatives of all the it physical, sexual or psychological continue became known for his bipartisanship. During United Nations bodies, NGOs and bilateral to suffer from significant trauma. To provide his tenure in the Ohio General Assembly, he aid agencies working in reproductive health. counselling and to prevent ostracism and ex- was a member of the Agriculture and Natural The Policy Task Force has worked with the clusion of the victims from their own com- Resources Committee, Finance and Appro- Kosovo Institute of Public Health, a local or- munities, UNFPA will continue to help priations Committee, Local Government and ganization, to draw up a Reproductive strengthen local community capacity to pro- Townships Committee and Veteran's Affairs vide care and support to women and men in Health Policy, which will guide the work of Committee. He was also the ranking minority all organizations as they undertake the reha- distress. bilitation of the province. There is an urgent need in Kosovo for de- member of the Agriculture and Development Subcommittee. In his last two terms in office, UNFPA’S PRIORITY AREAS mographic and health status of Kosovo since the return of the refugees in June this year. The main concern of the United Nations in he was dedicated to bringing about electric Given the new situation, all prior census and the area of health is to help reestablish the deregulation, attempting to meet the needs of other data—if they can be found—are obso- public health system in the province in order schools, local government, industry, cus- lete. All relief organizations working in the to meet the health needs of all the people of tomers, and public utilities. Through his career province are looking for such information to Kosovo. The overall needs throughout the Darrell passed a remarkable amount of legis- use in their operations. To that end, UNFPA province are overwhelming, and most of the and the International Organization for Mi- lation, personally sponsoring 30 bills and co- health infrastructure has not been properly gration (IOM) jointly organized a prelimi- sponsoring 718 others. During his years of maintained; much of it was destroyed or re- nary mission to assess the feasibility of a service in Columbus, he never missed a ses- moved during the recent hostilities. Equip- cluster sample population survey in Kosovo. ment in hospitals is either obsolete and/or sion of the Ohio House of Representatives The two organizations have developed a pro- broken, including such basic equipment as and never missed a vote. In 1991, he earned posal for a survey of about 9,500 households. washing machines and incubators for pre- the Outstanding Chief Elected Official Award, The results of the survey will be made avail- mature babies. Many health facilities have presented by Ohio Training Directors Council. able to all interested agencies and to the been left in decay, with broken windows, use- His steadfast dedication in representing his public. less heating systems, and little or no func- Therefore, as priority measures for emer- district as an Ohio House Member was only tioning equipment. interrupted by state mandated term limits. The maternity, obstetric and gyneco- gency relief and rehabilitation in Kosovo, logical clinic in Pristina delivers some 30 to UNFPA is preparing to undertake three cru- Darrell has always been wise counsel to 40 babies per day; it is on target to deliver cial projects in the short term: upgrade the other elected officials and community leaders, 12,000 babies in the coming year, which equipment of the maternity/OB–GYN depart- quietly building coalitions on issues, bringing ment of Pristina hospital, and to provide would give it the largest number of deliv- various points of view together in discussions, eries of any hospital in Europe. It is achiev- basic equipment and supplies to maternities and ‘‘birthing centers’’ elsewhere in the and offering his expertise with myriad con- ing this with one broken-down washing ma- cerns. Throughout his years as a Commis- chine and a shortage of sheets, gowns, incu- province; strengthen local capacity to iden- bators and ultrasound machines. On par- tify members of the community who need sioner and State Representative, I have ticular busy days, it does not have enough psycho-social support and to provide care sought his advice many times and know him cribs in which to put the newborns, even and support to these women and men; and to be a man possessed of great skill and a when they are doubled up. Many of the deliv- undertake an urgently needed demographic, wealth of knowledge. He has truly been an in- eries are premature, born to women who suf- socio-economic and reproductive health sur- valuable resource for all Ohioans and for us in vey of the province. fered great trauma and stress during the hos- Northwest Ohio. tilities. The World Health Organization f (WHO) estimates that almost 50 percent of Upon Darrell Opfer's retirement from the premature infants born in the Pristina Hos- TRIBUTE TO DARRELL W. OPFER State House, the prosperity of Ottawa County pital do not survive. Other problems related and jobs for its residents continue to drive his to the effects of the hostilities are a higher- HON. MARCY KAPTUR ambitions. After careful consideration, he ac- than-normal incidence of miscarriages and cepted the position of director of Ottawa still births, both of which put the lives of OF OHIO County's economic development program. He mothers at risk. Conditions are equally poor, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plans to use his government, utility, and busi- if not worse, in maternities and health cen- Wednesday, October 6, 1999 tres outside Pristina. In light of the above, it ness acumen to further economic develop- is essential to upgrade the equipment of the Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ment throughout Ottawa County. maternity at the Pristina Hospital and in recognize the lifelong contributions that Rep- Walter Lippman once said, ``The final test of other regions of Kosovo, as a critical first resentative Darrell W. Opfer has made to Ohio a leader is that he leaves behind him in other step in safeguarding maternal and child and more specifically, the Fifty-Third Ohio men the conviction and the will to carry on. health within the overall context of the re- habilitation of the health system of Kosovo. House District. For the last seven years, Dar- . . . The genius of a good leader is to leave UNFPA is playing a key role in the area of rell has been the epitome of a public servant behind him a situation which common sense, reproductive health by helping to assess re- in the Ohio House of Representatives. He without the grace of genius, can deal with suc- productive health conditions and needs; by works tirelessly to represent both Ohio and his cessfully.'' The work of Darrell Opfer has supplying urgently needed equipment, mate- district to the best of his ability, and for this we made out state a better place to live. On be- rials, and medicines for hospitals, primary are greatly indebted. On behalf of Ohio's law- half of the entire Ohio community, I would like health facilities and mobile clinics; by pro- makers and citizens, I am pleased and hon- to thank you, Darrell, for your loyalty and serv- viding training and support for health staff; and by supporting health information and ored to pay tribute to this outstanding leader. ice to our state and your district. We will cer- education programmes. UNFPA has begun Born and raised Elmore, Ohio, Darrell has tainly miss your skills as a legislator, but you work with its other partners in Kosovo in been a resident of Ottawa County and the know that you will continue your dedication to drawing up a standard reproductive health- Fifty-Third district his entire life. After com- leadership and service in your new position. training curriculum for health workers in pleting bachelor's and master's degrees from Good luck and God bless.