HR1519 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1519 LRB099 24141 MST 51821 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. M. Colleen Bingham on receiving the "2016 Rural Physician of Excellence Award" from the Illinois Rural Health Association; and

WHEREAS, One of the biggest healthcare challenges across our nation is the shortage of physicians who practice in rural settings; and

WHEREAS, In 1990, Dr. Bingham graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Indiana University Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, Since 1994, Dr. Bingham has been practicing with Family Care Associates of Effingham; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bingham serves on the Board of the Crisis Nursery of Effingham County and was extremely instrumental in garnering the economic support and partnerships of local businesses and the medical community to get the Crisis Nursery operating; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing their struggles, Dr. Bingham spearheaded the development TAG in 2013, a mentoring program for young mothers; operated by volunteers, the program meets on a regular basis, assisting many mothers through the challenges of young parenthood; and

WHEREAS, After seeing a pattern of developmental and cognitive delays in at-risk children who were not able to attend preschool, Dr. Bingham and her staff reached out to businesses, transportation companies, and the local school district, leading to the formation of the "Effingham Preschool of All", which offers transportation and preschool education at no cost to eligible families; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bingham learned of the plight of many low income children in need of meals when school was not in session, and through her request for donations and assistance from the Central Illinois Public Transit, "Mission Summer Fun" was formed, which provides meals and activities for children during summer break; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bingham was the lead physician in the CHIPRA Asthma Collaborative which resulted in improved treatment for children; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bingham's dedication to public health and disease prevention is exemplified through her strong commitment to the Vaccine for Children program; and

WHEREAS, Through her service and dedication to the community, Dr. Bingham has become a phenomenal asset to the well-being of families in Effingham County; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Dr. M. Colleen Bingham for her selfless service and for her impact on the improvement of rural health and congratulate her on receiving the "2016 Rural Physician of Excellence Award"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Bingham as an expression of our esteem and respect.