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Congresswoman Waters Receives Honorary First Lady Recognition at First Ladies Health Initiative of Los Angeles and Orange County

November 21, 2015

LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, was honored at the Fifth Annual First Ladies Health Luncheon Symposium on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Annual First Ladies Health Initiative event brings together pastors' wives, known as First Ladies, from area churches throughout Los Angeles and Orange County with healthcare professionals.

The First Ladies Health Initiative of Los Angeles and Orange County pinned Congresswoman Waters as an honorary First Lady at the luncheon due to her commitment to fighting for adequate healthcare resources in minority communities. Experts discuss HIV/AIDS, the impact of new breast cancer screening guidelines, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses that disproportionately impact African-American and Latino communities.

During the luncheon, the Congresswoman also discussed the government's responsibility in eradicating health disparities affecting minorities and the legislation she has introduced to combat this issue when it comes to diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. She also shared her experience in leading the national efforts to create the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998.

"I am truly humbled and grateful to the First Ladies Health Initiative for this honor. I will continue to fight for resources for greater education, preventative screenings and research to decrease the disproportionate numbers of African-Americans and Latinos who suffer due to diseases and conditions that are often preventable," said Congresswoman Waters.