John Akouri Addresses Delegates at the 2008 National American Arab Nurses Association National Convention at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center

Remarks by Councilman John Akouri
National American Arab Nurses Association (NAANA)
2008 Inaugural National Convention
Building Cultural Bridges in Healthcare: Strength in Diversity
Introduction of Oakland County Sheriff
Friday, October 10 / 1 p.m. / Detroit, MI, USA

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for that warm welcome. I would like to extend my appreciation to Dean Katherine Howe of the Henry Ford Community College School of Nursing - a key director on your Board with the National American Arab Nurses Association and a member of the this weekend's convention committee, for that very kind introduction. I also thank NAANA for making this presentation of Senator John McCain’s Healthcare Platform possible. This is an opportunity to let the people of Michigan know that he cares deeply about the health of the people of this state and in our nation.

I’m grateful to have been invited to introduce Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. He runs one of the nation’s largest Sheriff’s Offices in one of the largest counties in the state, overseeing 1,200 employees and managing an annual budget of over $128 million. He has 21 years of law enforcement experience and 21 years as an elected official. The Republican candidate for the 2006 Michigan US Senate election, he discussed his own healthcare platform during the campaign. It was one of his key issues because he believed that Michigan and the country needed a comprehensive approach to health care and healthcare coverage. He, like myself, support Senator John McCain’s healthcare platform.

At this time, I invite the sheriff to the podium to present the Senator's healthcare plan for America. As you depart this afternoon, you will find handout material at the back of the room, Please feel free to take with you to learn more about Senator McCain's platform.