WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) recently honored Dr. Richard S. Williams, MD, MPH, District Director of the Three Rivers Health District and Acting District Director of the Eastern Shore Health District for Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Congressman Wittman has worked with Dr. Williams throughout the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic to help share the latest health and safety information to residents of the First Congressional District through telephone town halls, calls with local elected officials, and informative emails since February.
Dr. Williams’ service to the First District goes above and beyond his role with the VDH -- his tireless efforts to keep the region informed and healthy have demonstrated an exemplary dedication to the fostering of strong public health throughout the global pandemic.
Congressman Wittman’s statement in the permanent Congressional Record follows:
Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Richard S. Williams, MD, MPH for his service to the Commonwealth of Virginia during the COVID-19 outbreak and response. Dr. Williams is the District Director of the Three Rivers Health District and Acting District Director of the Eastern Shore Health District for Virginia Department of Health and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Virginians were protected and received the most up to date information.
Dr. Williams is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, served for 27 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel, and served for 16 years as NASA Chief Medical Officer. His extensive experience in medical leadership through multiple contingencies, including all previous infectious disease events over the last 30 years, prepared him to be a key asset during these uncertain times.
Throughout the Coronavirus outbreak and response, Dr. Williams was a valued resource to both my operations to keep Virginians informed, as well as to the people he serves in the Three Rivers Health District. He served as an expert on four district-wide telephone town halls to thousands of my constituents, answering questions on the outbreak, testing, and preventative actions.
Dr. Williams also participated in over a dozen calls to provide an update on Virginia's response to the pandemic to local officials from areas across the Commonwealth. He was critical to getting information to my constituents when information and transparency was in high demand. Through one of the most uncertain times in recent history, his professionalism, preparedness, and even temperament put Virginians at ease.
Dr. Williams is a true patriot and the First Congressional District is grateful for his service to the Commonwealth and the Nation. Madam Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Dr. Richard S. Williams.
