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Senate Resolution

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A resolution commending The Links, Incorporated, for its

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work in Florida.

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     WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, is a highly respected

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international organization of more than 10,000 professional,

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accomplished, and dedicated women of African ancestry in 274

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chapters located in 42 states and three countries with a mission

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and purpose of friendship and community service, and

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     WHEREAS, members of The Links are role models, mentors,

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activists, and volunteers who work toward purposeful public

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service with educational, cultural, and civic commitments through

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four functional facets - International Trends and Services,

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National Trends and Services, the Arts, and Services to Youth,

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and

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     WHEREAS, the National Trends and Services facet of The

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Links, Incorporated, also encompasses service related to three

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Linkages, including Education, Health and Wellness, and

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legislative work, which highlights and addresses concerns of the

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organization in these areas and also affects African Americans

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and society, and

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     WHEREAS, major issues and needs that concern the Southern

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Area of The Links, Incorporated, include eliminating health

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disparities in conformity with the federal Healthy People 2010

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program, which establishes national health objectives designed to

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identify the most significant preventable threats to the health

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of African Americans, and targeting six focus areas that

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disproportionately affect the health of African Americans -

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infant mortality, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,

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HIV/AIDS, and immunizations, and

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     WHEREAS, Links from around the State of Florida have

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assembled today to demonstrate their support for the elimination

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of health disparities, to thank members of the Florida

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Legislature for their wisdom and prudent action in addressing

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health and wellness in terms of societal need, and to encourage

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Legislators to monitor, implement, and seek progress through this

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important legislation, and

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     WHEREAS, Senator Frederica Wilson, Senator Mandy Dawson, and

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Senator Arthenia Joyner are members of The Links, Incorporated,

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NOW, THEREFORE,

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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

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     That this body does pause in its deliberations to pay its

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respects to the dedicated efforts and example of the Southern

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Area of The Links, Incorporated, led by Margaret Thompson

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Johnson, in their successful campaign for the advancement and

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accomplishment of equitable health care policy and services for

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all Floridians, and to recognize the exemplary value of their

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work toward increasing quality and years of healthy life for the

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residents of this state.