Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, MPH, is presented a Presidential Citation for her exceptional Congressional leadership and bipartisan efforts to advance health equity.
I commend Congresswoman Underwood (D-Illinois) for her effective and tireless efforts to respond to the crisis in Black maternal health disparities, expand suicide prevention programs for veterans and youth, reduce gun violence, fight climate change, and broaden access to integrated behavioral health care services.
Congresswoman Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. She holds the distinction of being the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress. She is also the youngest African American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As a nurse and healthcare policy expert, Congresswoman Underwood brings to Congress an unparalleled and needed insight into fixing our healthcare system. One of her first actions when she came to Congress in 2019 was to launch the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina. With 53 founding members, the Caucus has grown to be one of the largest bipartisan caucuses in Congress, with more than 100 Members. Underwood and Adams are the lead sponsors of the Black Maternal Health Act also known as the “Momnibus”. The Momnibus seeks to address a variety of maternal health concerns including support for maternal mental health.
As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, she also leads bipartisan efforts to expand access to evidence-based suicide prevention and improve veteran maternal and mental health.
As a rising star in Congress respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, she is a leading voice on mental health issues, with a passion for helping our society’s most vulnerable populations.
For her dedication to addressing minority maternal health, it’s my honor to present Congresswoman Underwood with this Presidential Citation.