The Office of the First Lady announced today that First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to deliver three commencement addresses in the months ahead.

On May 8th, the First Lady will address the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Established more than 130 years ago, the University began as the only state-supported institution of higher education for African Americans in Arkansas. Like many of the nation’s more than one-hundred historically black colleges and universities, the University has played a special role in enabling young people from many walks of life to further their education. While the University offers many different areas of study, it remains dedicated to the mission of providing educational opportunities to underserved communities particularly in the Arkansas Delta region.

It is one of a small number of HBCUs that also are land-grant institutions and thus have a long history of preparing students for fields in agriculture, farming, and engineering. The University currently boasts an enrollment of more than 3500 students.

On May 16th, The George Washington University will host their graduation ceremonies in Washington DC. Mrs. Obama is scheduled to address this group provided the student body, faculty and staff complete the 100,000 hours of community service required during the 2009-2010 academic year. Mrs. Obama issued the challenge for these service hours in exchange for her commencement visit in September of 2009, during the first National Day of Service and Remembrance, which was the culmination of President Barack Obama’s “United We Serve” summer service initiative.

On June 11th, Mrs. Obama will address the Anacostia Senior High School Commencement, a DC public school that Mrs. Obama visited in the spring of 2009 in conjunction with her Women of Excellence event and her early mentoring activities as First Lady.

In 2009, Mrs. Obama spoke to the University of California, Merced’s first full senior class. She also addressed the Washington Math and Science Tech Public Charter High School Graduation in Washington DC.

By U.S. Rep. Mike Pence

Last weekend our family had the privilege of joining colleagues from both political parties on a walk through the historic sites of the Civil Rights movement in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. We will never forget the experience. I served as co-leader of the 10th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage sponsored by the Faith & Politics Institute.

We arrived in Montgomery on Saturday afternoon and made our way to the home church of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sitting in the front pew at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, we heard from Dorothy Cotton about her years working with Dr. King. She spoke of the faith that sustained their work and the historic importance of music and singing to the movement.

We then made our way to the Civil Rights Memorial, where our kids were given the privilege of laying a wreath to honor those who had lost their lives in the struggle for equality, and into the nearby museum with its inspiring displays of history. But it was the personal stories of segregation, told by the people who lived it and peacefully fought against it, that were most moving to us. Hearing firsthand accounts of how African Americans in the South were systematically denied the right to vote, intimidated, beaten and even killed fighting for that right will never leave us.

The next day, we traveled with my colleague and legendary civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis to Selma, Alabama. John Lewis was personally recruited by Dr. King as a college student and his courage and moral authority continue to inspire millions.

John took us to Selma to mark the anniversary of a day that changed his life and America: March 7, 1965, also known as “Bloody Sunday.”

As John recounted that momentous day, he told of how he and several hundred courageous activists crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma during a march on the state capitol and were beaten by state police waiting on the far side of the bridge. The images of that day were transmitted around the world and would sear the conscience of the nation. It set the stage for more protests and was the catalyst for Congress to enact the Voting Rights Act later that year.

We gathered for worship at Brown Chapel in Selma, and after a rousing service, we left the church to walk to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. As a leader of the trip, I had the privilege to walk at the front of the march with John Lewis and other congressmen and dignitaries and I had the great honor of walking the entire way alongside Dr. F.D. Reese, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma.

Congressman Pence and Dr. F.D. Reese

As we began the march, I asked Dr. Reese if he could tell me about that day 45 years ago, and he did. As we strolled the historic route, surrounded by thousands, I was enthralled by this pastor’s description of that fateful day. He said that when they reached the crest of the bridge and could see the other side of the river, the first thing they saw was the state police waiting to stop the march. He said, “All you saw was a sea of blue,” but still they marched.

I asked if they thought of turning back when they saw the array of police. He smiled and said, “No, we had prayed at the Brown Chapel and decided we would go on regardless.” And so they did.

After pausing at the base of the bridge for prayer, he told me how the tear gas and the beatings with night sticks overtook the crowd. My friend John Lewis was among those most severely beaten.

Congressman Pence and Congressman Lewis

As our march came to an end, I extended my hand to Dr. Reese and thanked him not only for what he had done for the civil rights movement, but I thanked him for what he, John Lewis and others had done for America that day. Dr. Reese replied humbly, “God did something here.” And through these brave Americans, I believe that with all my heart.

Every American should know the story of Montgomery and Selma. Thanks to courageous Americans like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Dorothy Cotton and F.D. Reese, these cities have become an integral part of the American story in our nation’s unrelenting march toward a more perfect union.

My Administration is dedicated to ensuring that federal agencies treat all our citizens fairly, and the settlement in the Pigford case reflects that commitment. I applaud Secretary Vilsack for his efforts to modernize operations at the USDA, as well as the work of the Justice Department in bringing these long-ignored claims of African American farmers to a rightful conclusion. I look forward to a swift resolution to this issue, so that the families affected can move on with their lives.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

The settlement agreement reached today, which is contingent on appropriation by Congress, will provide a total of $1.25 billion to African American farmers who alleged that they suffered racial discrimination in USDA farm loan programs.  The settlement sets up a non-judicial claims process through which individual farmers may demonstrate their entitlement to cash damages awards and debt relief.

The Methodist Health System Joint Academy offers vital help in preparing both mentally and physically for joint replacement surgery while offering some of the latest minimally invasive techniques to restore mobility and quality of life with less pain and faster recovery time. Reports indicate that pre-surgical education directly involving patients and answering their questions helps speed recovery and achieves enhanced outcomes.

After scheduling hip or knee replacement surgery with an independently practicing orthopedic surgeon on the Methodist medical staff, joint replacement patients are invited to participate in the free Methodist Joint Academy. In the Academy, patients receive a two-hour course from caring, expert Methodist staff members who give them a preview and overview of what to expect – step-by-step – before, during, and after surgery. Patients are invited to bring along a family member or friend.

“This works just like a seminar or workshop that allows our patients to gain a real feeling of comfort up front about the joint replacement process before it happens,” says Jennifer Tullis, orthopedic coordinator at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. “It gives us a chance to prepare our patients in every way possible so they feel at ease and informed about their treatment, get acquainted with the hospital where they’ll be, and meet some of the staff.”

Held on the hospital campus, the Joint Academy offers a comfortable learning environment with a handful of fellow patients. The one-day program includes:
·         A concierge to greet and guide patients to the classroom
·         Priority access to required pre-op testing (at Methodist Dallas)
·         Express registration to eliminate delays on the day of surgery
·         Engaging classroom instruction about what to expect from pre-op, joint replacement surgery, and recovery— taught by Methodist Joint Academy clinical specialists
·         A tour of the orthopedic floor, designed specifically for the needs and comfort of joint replacement surgery patients
·         Discussion with a small group of fellow joint replacement patients to build camaraderie and provide motivation and support after hip or knee surgery
·         A free “uniform”– t-shirt and shorts with the Methodist Joint Academy logo
·         Opportunity to meet some of the multidisciplinary health care professionals who will be involved in the patient’s care
·         Free validated parking

Reports indicate that such pre-surgical education directly involving patients and answering their questions helps speed recovery and also achieves enhanced outcomes. It’s all done in a comfortable classroom setting where patients become “students.” Methodist shows them how best to regain their movement and gives them personalized service in feeling at home and ease for their stay.

“We keep the class groups small so that our Joint Academy patients get great personal attention, and have a chance to share and support one another,” says Cherie James, orthopedic coordinator at Methodist Charlton Medical Center. “We give them a great start for a speedy recovery.”

Painful hip, knee, and shoulder joints can rob a person’s freedom of movement.  Methodist Health System offers complete care for patients needing surgery to replace joints damaged by injury, deformity, or degenerative diseases such as arthritis.

To learn more about the Methodist Joint Academy at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Methodist Charlton Medical Center or find an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff of Methodist Health System, call 214-947-0044 or 1-866-584-8104, or visit www.methodisthealthsystem.org/jointacademy

Watch and Learn: Watch these animations to learn more about orthopedic procedures www.methodisthealthsystem.org/orthopedicanimations

On January 12, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.  President Obama has said, “at this moment, we are moving forward with one of the largest relief efforts in our history — to save lives and to deliver relief that averts an even larger catastrophe.  In these difficult hours, America stands united.  We stand united with the people of Haiti, who have shown such incredible resilience, and we will help them to recover and to rebuild.”

The United States Government has mobilized resources and people to aid in the relief effort.  At the direction of President Obama, this is a whole-of-government effort, and USAID has the lead in this swift, aggressive and coordinated response.  Military personnel are playing an indispensable role in supporting this humanitarian effort, including making the logistics chain possible and distributing life-saving assistance.  Aid workers are working around the clock to deliver more aid more quickly and more effectively to more people in need.

Below, please find some key facts and examples of government actions to date.  All numbers below are accurate as of 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 20.

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION
At the request of the Haitian government, the U.S. continues to coordinate America’s relief efforts with the United Nations and the international community.  We are coordinating closely with more than 30 nations and hundreds of NGOs to deliver food and water quickly throughout the country.

·         Tuesday evening, the President’s National Security Advisor convened a Principals Committee meeting with the Vice President, Secretaries of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, our Ambassador to the UN, the Administrators of USAID and FEMA, and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to discuss ongoing efforts and coordination.
·         Afterwards, Dr. Shah said the meeting was an opportunity “to take stock of the performance and to make sure we were doing everything we possibly could to accelerate our efforts and do even better by reaching more people in Haiti with needed and critical supplies of food, water, shelter, and other critically needed items like medical kids and access to medical services.”
·         Secretary Clinton spoke with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Moreno on January 19 about ongoing relief efforts.

HEALTH/MEDICAL
·         The USNS Comfort arrived in Haiti today.  The Comfort brings a hospital with a capacity for over 1,000 beds on board and has already started to receive patients by helicopter.
·         Department of Defense personnel have treated over 200 patients and supported the movement of more than 29,000 lbs of medical supplies to date.
·         As of January 20, more than 5,000 patients have been treated by Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) from the Department of Health and Human Services. .

AIRPORTS & PORTS
·         The airfield is open for 24/7 operations – 153 flights were expected for today.  The U.S. was using 38 of those slots.
o   U.S. Transportation Command reports that since commencing air operations, a total of 136 missions have been flown that have carried more than 2,400 tons of equipment and more than 1,900 passengers into Haiti.
·         U.S. Army/Navy dive teams with underwater construction teams continued to assess port structural damage with the goal of reopening as quickly as possible.
·         As of today, there are 20 U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels and 51 helicopters deployed.
·         The San Isidro airfield in the Dominican Republic is now open for C-130 operations to assist in the Haiti relief effort.

SAFETY & SECURITY
·         The major focus of military efforts is establishing water distribution sites, and delivering fuel, food, and medicine.
·         As of January 20, approximately 11,500 military personnel (2,000 ashore and 9,500 afloat) are a part of the relief effort.
o   The BATAAN Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG)/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with 1,960 Marines and Sailors arrived and began moving forces ashore yesterday.  The Marines began relief operations in the vicinity of Leogane.
·         The Coast Guard has approximately 516 service members on site assisting with the Haiti recovery effort (24 ashore, 422 afloat, and 70 aircrew).  On January 19, Secretary Napolitano authorized the activation of up to 900 reserve U.S. Coast Guard service men and women in to (mission: replace those deployed on the Comfort? And to assist with port security?) .

EVACUATION & RESCUES
·         Evacuations:  The U.S. is conducting evacuations 24 hours a day.  88 American evacuees departed Port-Au-Prince this morning (1/20).  On January 19, 1328 were evacuated.  To date, more than 6,174 Americans have been evacuated.
·         Search and Rescue:  On January 19, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Virginia Beach and New York rescued two children.  And a USAR team from Fairfax worked with locals as well a French USAR team to rescue a female Haitian who had been trapped for seven days without food or water in a supermarket in the Bois Verna neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.
·         Currently, 43 international USAR teams, comprised of 1,739 rescue workers, with 161 dogs, are working in Haiti.  6 of those teams are from the United States – with 511 rescue workers from Fairfax County, Los Angeles County, Miami, Miami-Dade, Virginia Beach, and New York.
o   To date, U.S. USAR teams have rescued 43 people from collapsed buildings, while international and U.S. USAR teams together have rescued a total of 122 people.

FOOD & WATER
·         U.S. military aircraft, helicopters, and vessels are giving the highest priority to the shipment of water.
o   152,000 liters bulk water and more than 165,000 water bottles were delivered yesterday (1/19).
o   The USS Carl Vinson is producing 100,000 gallons of potable water daily – 2,000 gallons were distributed yesterday.
o   Water tanks are being installed in each zone of the city.  Potable water is now available at 45 distribution points.
·         There are currently four established food and water distribution hubs and 190 distribution sites active and serving 96,000 people.
·         The U.S. Coast Guard has distributed a total of 38.5 tons of water (62,880 bottles ) to date.
·         Over the past several days, JTF-Haiti has distributed more than 400,000 meals/humanitarian rations and more than 600,000 bottles of water.
·         C-17 air delivery of food and water will resume Thursday (1/21) — approximately 15,000 water bottles and 14,500 MREs/Humanitarian Rations are slated for delivery.
o   The first C-17 air delivery was conducted Monday, consisting of 14,000 1-liter bottles and 14,000 packages of daily rations.
·         The vessel Americas departed Port Everglades today with 500,000 MREs, 290,000 liters of drinking water, 8,400 cots, 19,500 blankets, 41,800 tarps, 560 rolls of sheeting, and 70,000 comfort kits provided by FEMA, as well as medical supplies provided by USAID.
·         On January 19, two USAID/OFDA funded flights carrying emergency relief supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince.  Commodities included:
o   40,200 water containers that provide water for 80,400 people,
o   13,056 hygiene kits, which will serve 65,280 people,
o   200 rolls of plastic sheeting that will provide shelter for 10,000 people,
o   5 U.N. World Health Organization medical kits,
o   8 water bladders,
o   6 water purification units – each unit produces 100,000 liters of water per day and will provide water to a total of  60,000 people,
o   3 industrial air-conditioning units, and
o   1 generator.
·         As of January 19, total USAID/OFDA commodities delivered to Port-au-Prince included:
o   9 water treatment units to provide 900,000 liters of safe drinking water for 90,000 individuals per day;
o   71,000 ten-liter water containers to benefit 142,000 people;
o   nearly 24,500 hygiene kits to serve more than 121,000 beneficiaries;
o   700 rolls of plastic sheeting to support the shelter needs of approximately 35,000 people;
o   18 water bladders, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters, and
o   five U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) medical kits capable of supplying medical supplies for up to 10,000 individuals for a two-month period.

ADOPTIONS
·         As Secretary Clinton said today at the State Department, “We are coordinating closely with the Haitian government, the United Nations, our other international partners, and NGOs on the ground to ensure that aid reaches Haiti’s orphanages and that newly orphaned children are accounted for and cared for…We will also do everything we can to reunite the many children and families who have become separated in the aftermath of the earthquake.  And this is a crucial point: we have to be very careful not to exacerbate this difficult situation by removing children from Haiti who might have surviving family members.  We will not let red tape stand in the way of helping those in need, but we will ensure that international adoption procedures to protect children and families are followed.”
·         The State Department is heading up a joint task force with the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to streamline this process and ensure that these families are united as quickly as possible while still ensuring that proper safeguards are in place to protect children in our care.
·         An interagency working group has been established to focus on the humanitarian needs of highly vulnerable children. And the Administration is also working closely with the many Members of Congress who are understandably very concerned about this process.

ASSISTANCE
·         As of today, in FY 2010, the U.S. Government has provided nearly $171 million in humanitarian assistance for the Haiti earthquake:
o   Secretary of Defense Gates signed the Haiti Disaster Relief Execution Order authorizing up to $20 million in humanitarian, disaster and civic aids funds,
o   USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) contribution of nearly $82 million,
o   USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (USAID/FFP) assistance valued at $68 million, and
o   USAID Dominican Republic (USAID/DR) health assistance valued at $1 million.

HOW TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS
We are all deeply affected by the devastation in Haiti. Our common humanity demands that we act, as does America’s leadership and deep ties with Haiti.  At the request of President Obama, former Presidents Bush and Clinton are coordinating private assistance and urging Americans to help at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

·         Funding raised through Text Message Program (keyword “Haiti”, and short code number “90999″): $25 million from over 2.5 million people.
·         You can also contribute online through ClintonBushHaitiFund.org.
o   Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to charge a $10 donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (the donation will be added to your cell phone bill).
·         Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information (www.cidi.org).

Get Information about Friends or Family
·         The State Department has set up a web page that will serve as a clearinghouse for information on Haiti: state.gov/haitiquake, including a new tool, the “Person Finder,” to allow people to find and share information on missing loved ones in Haiti.

·         The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording).  You can also send an email to the State Department.  Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.

·         The State Department has also partnered with the tech community to launch a free SMS relief information service to help people in Haiti.  The text message program allows people with service from Digetel and Voila to text their location and needs to a free short code: “4636.”  Since the initiative was launched on January 18, NGO partners have received over 2,000 messages, including on food distribution, missing persons, water.

·         Whitehouse.gov — The White House website continues to serve as a focal point for information for about the relief effort, including accounting for family and friends in Haiti and contributing to the relief effort.