84R9055 CJM-D
By: Simpson H.R. No. 1743
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Deborah Bell of Longview, the founder of Refuge
International, truly merits special recognition for the many
contributions she has made to the health and well-being of
countless individuals through her humanitarian efforts; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, moved by what she saw during a volunteer
trip to Guatemala, Ms. Bell started Refuge International, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in areas where
such essentials as adequate health care, nutrition, and clean water
are lacking or nonexistent; under her able guidance, the group
leads numerous mission trips each year and has established
permanent medical clinics in San Raymundo, Sarstun, and Chocola,
Guatemala; partially funded through the sale of items handmade in
remote villages, Refuge International also digs wells, advances
educational projects, distributes deworming medication, and works
with government agencies to send Guatemalan children to the
Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas for life-changing surgeries; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bell's can-do attitude and boundless compassion
also benefit residents of the Longview area, where she has served
the local community for many years as a nurse practitioner;
furthermore, in 2009, she forged a partnership between Refuge
International and physicians, nurses, and students from Longview
Emergency Medicine Associates and The University of Texas at Tyler
to provide free medical care to the homeless population housed at
Hiway 80 Rescue Mission; and
WHEREAS, In appreciation of her tireless efforts in behalf of
others, this highly esteemed individual has received a number of
accolades, including a 2005 Stand on a Better World Award, the 2007
Texas Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award, and the 2012 Citizen of
the Year Award from the Longview Rotary Club; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Bell's public-spiritedness and volunteerism
are an inspiration to many people, and her commitment to enhancing
the quality of life for people both locally and abroad has earned
her the enduring respect and admiration of all who are privileged to
know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Deborah Bell for her outstanding service
to those in need through her work with Refuge International and
extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Deborah Bell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.