William H. Frist: “on Tuesday, I introduced the Global Health Corps Act of 2005. As a doctor who has traveled the world treating patients…”

“on Tuesday, I introduced the Global Health Corps Act of 2005. As a doctor who has traveled the world treating patients in desperate and war-ravaged lands, this cause is near and dear to my heart. I believe, and I have seen, through the good works of many talented and compassionate men and women, that medicine is not only an instrument of health, but a currency of peace. Healing gives hope. And I have seen that real, tangible, medical intervention can help bridge the gaps and misunderstandings that so often divide cultures. We see that phenomenon in Afghanistan and Iraq. And we saw it in South East Asia in the aftermath of the terrible tsunami tragedy. Immediately, American military ships, planes and helicopters arrived to deliver food, water, medicine and tents to the devastated region. The U.S. Agency for International Development set up a 24-hour, 7-day- a-week, Disaster Response Command Center here in Washington and abroad. Thousands of private citizens, religious groups, small businesses and large corporations sent tens of millions of dollars in donations to help aid the people of South East Asia. Many continue to keep giving. America's response, both official and private, was a portrait in compassion. I had the opportunity to travel to the region with the distinguished Senator Mary Landrieu days after the tsunami struck. Together, we surveyed the damage, assessed the humanitarian needs, and witnessed American compassion in action.…”