June 30, 2007 — Delegate Donna M. Christensen recruited three high school juniors from the territory to join others from across the country in Washington, D.C. for a week-long educational program to encourage young people to pursue health-related careers.
Abigail F. Hyndman and Amber P. Alexander of St. Thomas and Vidalina Perez of St. John were invited to attend the 2007 Auxiliary National Medical Association African American Youth Initiative in Health and Policy Development Scholars Program. The program is designed to “address the lack of African Americans in the health care professions and in the scientific workforce,” according to a press release from the delegate’s office.
Christensen and her colleagues addressed high school juniors on the role of Congress in health policy that affects all Americans. Citing the critical need for health care professionals, Christensen said she was proud to support the program because it “gives young people an opportunity to have an up-close look at the work done in hospitals and at the Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies.” “Hopefully,” she continued, “we are creating the health care providers of tomorrow as we provide an opportunity for mentoring and empowering African American youth to remain in the academic pipeline and to pursue jobs in the scientific and health arenas.”
Christensen chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. This is the tenth year she has hosted the Capitol Hill day and invited territory students to attend.
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