Assembly Resolution No. 128

BY: M. of A. Galef

COMMENDING The Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips for
special recognition in observance of Black History
Month

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The
Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips for special recognition in observance of
Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles
and victories of African Americans throughout our country's history and
to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of
our democratic society in times of war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, the African-American women of the
Peekskill community chose Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips to lead an
effort to start a health center which would provide access to affordable
health care in the community; through her extraordinary endeavors, the
Peekskill Area Ambulatory Health Care Center opened in 1975, and she
served as the first Chair of the health center's board of directors; in
1977, she assumed the role of its first Outreach Director; and

WHEREAS, Today, Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips holds the title of
Executive Vice President of Community Development at the center, marking
over four decades of exemplary leadership in providing health care for
the people of the Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Reverend Jeannette J.
Phillips, the Peekskill Area Ambulatory Health Care Center has grown
into Hudson River Health Care, a network of 43 health centers throughout
the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island; this valuable
organization provides affordable, accessible care to over 225,000
patients annually through primary and preventive treatment; and

WHEREAS, Hudson River Health Care also plays a critical role in the
overall health care delivery system in the downstate New York region by
offering numerous services including adult and pediatric care,
obstetrical and gynecological care, dental services, behavioral health
services, nutrition counseling, HIV care, medication assisted treatment
for substance use disorders, health education, and a full complement of
outreach, interpretation, transportation, benefits counseling, and
health insurance enrollment assistance; and

WHEREAS, The Hudson River Health Care network is a designated
Planetree affiliate, and has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the
Joint Commission, the highest level of Patient Centered Medical Home
recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work with Hudson River Health Care,
Reverend Jeannette Phillips is the Associate Minister of the Park Street
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where she is committed to
providing a variety of ministries to her community; she is also a member
of the boards of directors and a participant in countless
community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
community, Reverend Jeannette Phillips is the recipient of many awards
and accolades; in 2012, she was inducted into the Women of Distinction
Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of over 60 years,
The Reverend Howard Phillips; their five children, 25 grandchildren, 13
great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, all of whom
have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the health field who distinguish
themselves through professional excellence and who have made significant
contributions to the quality of life of citizens in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As a leader in her profession, Reverend Jeannette J.
Phillips has proven herself to be a great asset to medicine and to the
health and welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips for special recognition in
observance of Black History Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips and to the Executive
Staff of Hudson River Health Care.