Press Release

Medical Mission Co-Founder Speaks at Leaders Summit

Government and Health Leaders Summit Addresses Health Care Challenges in Insular Areas

BENICIA, CA — Canvasback Missions, Inc. co-founder Jacque Spence talked about the power of volunteers at a leaders summit hosted by Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne in Honolulu Sept. 29-30. Titled "The Future of Health Care in the Insular Areas: A Leaders Summit" the meeting brought together senior-level federal health officials and the leaders of the U.S. territories and freely associated states. Spence participated on a panel addressing the challenges of health care in the insular areas, describing the role volunteer health professionals can play in providing professionals services, supplies and education among the island communities represented at the summit.

Other summit participants included Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake, M.D.; Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu, PhD; Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary of Health Joxel Garcia, M.D.; Hawaii Lt. Gov. James Aiona; Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori; Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing; Republic of Palau Vice President Elias Chin; American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono; Guam Gov. Felix Camacho; Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Ben Fitial; U.S. Virgin Islands Health Commissioner Vivian Ebbesen Fludd; USVI Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen, M.D.; and American Samoa Delegate to Congress Eni F.H. Faleomavaega.

---