Statement from the National Medical Association on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height

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Apr 20, 2010, 03:30 ET

WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from the National Medical Association:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height. She was an endearing friend to many of us, a great civil rights icon on the stage of history, and a national treasure of immense dignity. Her lifelong fight for civil rights and equality changed forever the vistas of hope and opportunity for both African Americans and women. Dr. Height's influence on America and indeed the world will not be forgotten. Her life is an example of the type of servant leadership we should all aspire to emulate."

Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and their patients. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people.