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REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		The American Society for Cell Biology, San Francisco, California
DATE:		December 10, 2000

I also want to thank you for your partnership for having the courage to help increase public support for scientific research - including stem cell research -- and for having the foresight to invest in America's future.

Thanks to this investment - to the dedication, hard work and commitment of this Society -- Americans are living longer. We're giving our children a safer and healthier childhood. We're erasing the threat of disease from our world. We're unlocking the mysteries of the human genome and developing better treatments and new cures. And, we're building a national resource of scientific knowledge -- the tools we need to meet the challenges of the new century.

In just the last eight years, we've seen a dramatic decline in the death rate from AIDS, better health outcomes when it comes to treating diseases like breast cancer, and advances in finding new drug therapies to treat many others.

We can all be proud of these accomplishments. But, despite these breakthroughs, our work remains unfinished - and the health challenges we face become more complicated each day. I'm talking about emerging infectious diseases like West Nile, rising rates of asthma, especially among children and the ethical issues that are arising from our revolutions in science and technology.

That's why, in the face of these serious challenges, I ask that all the members of the ASCB continue to stay on the cutting edge. Continue asking the most compelling science questions of our time. And, continue being determined in your search for answers.

In your work to discover new mechanisms that help explain who we are and how we work -- never forget the simple truths that guide the American Society for Cell Biology.

That means continuing to reach out to young people - helping them discover the world through the eyes of science. That means continuing to educate Congress about biomedical research and its life-saving benefits to the American people. That means continuing to encourage more women and minorities in the field of science, helping them to gain leadership roles. And, that means holding on to the same spirit of service that led you to a career that's improving our nation's health and our nation's future.

As most of you know, in one month, I'll be saying farewell as Secretary to many friends and colleagues as I return to university life. I will always have wonderful memories and lasting friendships of my years in public service. I intend to keep fighting for the health and welfare of all Americans. I know that you will do the same.

I know that you will continue to do work that is both good and great. And, I know that you will continue to be the leaders of our nation in health care, medical advances and scientific genius. Again, thank you for your Public Service Award and for the honor of joining you this evening. Goodnight.