Senate Resolution 92

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING FAMILY HEALTH CENTER IN LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, AND CEO DR. RASHAD N. ALI, FOR RECEIVING THE 2023 "COMMUNITY HEALTH QUALITY RECOGNITION" AWARD BY THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA).

WHEREAS, we join the community health centers in Mississippi in recognizing the Family Health Center (FHC) in Laurel, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Family Health Center, Inc. of Laurel, Mississippi, is among the very best community health centers in the United States, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In 2022, HRSA released its list of honorees in which Family Health Center earned seven of nine "Community Health Quality Recognition" badges. In November 2023, HRSA released the 2023 list of honorees, and Family Health Center earned eight of nine "Community Health Quality Recognition" badges, more than any other community health center in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, two badges in particular stand out from the rest: Health Center Quality Leader, Gold Badge. This badge indicates that FHC is among the Top 10 percent of all Federally Qualified Health Centers in the U.S. in overall clinical quality measures performance. Only 149 of about 1,400 FQHCs received this badge, and FHC was one of them. The next is National Quality Leader, Cancer Screening. This badge is awarded to CHCs that excel at making sure patients are screened for cancer. The year 2023 is the first year that HRSA has awarded this badge, and FHC was one of only 17 FQHCs in the U.S. to receive it; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rashad N. Ali joined Family Health Center in August 2006 as Chief Executive Officer. Since his arrival, Family Health Center has expanded from 2 locations to currently eight locations, including two Mobile Units. Dr. Ali has over 30 years' experience as an OB/GYN physician and is a highly regarded surgeon. He has pioneered diagnostic treatments and applications for women with high risk pregnancies and reproductive complications delivering more than 7,000 babies during his career. He is a nationally recognized expert in the operation and management of public health facilities, as well as, an expert witness on numerous legal cases involving medical malpractice; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ali received his medical degree from The University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1985. He then completed his internal medicine internship at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and emergency medicine residency training at Eglin AFB Regional Hospital, Eglin AFB, Florida, in 1988. Dr. Ali completed OB/GYN residency at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1992. He served as Chief of OB/GYN Services 5th Medical Group, Minot AFB, North Dakota, from 1992 to 1994. He returned to Mississippi in 1994 where he started his private practice, OB/GYN Associates of Laurel until 2005. Dr. Al furthered his education by receiving his law degree from Concord Law School in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Family Health Center of Laurel, Mississippi, is an award-winning Federally Qualified Health Center providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services for residents of Jones, Jasper, Clarke, Smith and Wayne Counties in Southeast Mississippi since 1986. Family Health Center offers a range of services, including adult/internal medicine, OB/GYN care, pediatrics, dental care and a discount pharmacy for FHC patients. Family Health Center's sliding fee scale puts affordable care within reach for more than 17,000 uninsured and underinsured Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this award-winning Mississippi health facility which has brought honor to their profession, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Family Health Center in Laurel, Mississippi, and CEO Dr. Rashad N. Ali, for receiving the 2023 "Community Health Quality Recognition" Award by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to Dr. Ali and his staff for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Rashad Ali, CEO, and his staff, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of the Family Health Center and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.