House Resolution 124

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASSOCIATION FOR ITS NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE AND FOR ITS SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS DURING ITS 123-YEAR HISTORY.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association (MMSA) is the state's oldest and largest organization representing African-American physicians and health professionals in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, established in 1900, the MMSA is the collective voice of African-American physicians and the patients they serve, and since its inception, the organization has provided extremely hard work, dedication, professionalism and illustrious service to its physicians and patients; and

WHEREAS, throughout the organization's history, members have broken down barriers, led in the community and advocated for the most vulnerable, and the MMSA was also instrumental in support of state and local efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the current president of MMSA is Richard Rayford, M.D., Ph.D.; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor fine institutions in Mississippi, especially those such as the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association, which has been providing support and representation to African-American physicians and patients for 123 years, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and honor the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association for its numerous contributions to the state and for its support and representation of African-American physicians and patients during its 123-year history and extend our most sincere wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Richard Rayford and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.