SRC-LBB S.C.R. 24 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.C.R. 24
78R187 JXC-DBy: Jackson
State Affairs
4/25/2003
As Filed


DIGEST

Dr. Jesse Vernal Irons, a director of laboratories for the Texas
Department of Health for over 20 years, contributed significantly to the
health of all Texans.  The growth and development of the state public
health laboratory system over the middle part of the 20th century owes
much to his ingenuity, persistence, and courage.  Dr. Irons joined the
Texas Department of Health in 1933, where he served as chief
bacteriologist, assistant director, and associate director before being
named director of laboratories in 1946. 

During his tenure with the department, he devised a rapid test for
diagnosis of smallpox that was used extensively in an outbreak in 1949,
and he guided much of the pioneering work in the development of specific
technology for large-scale production and distribution of smallpox
vaccine.  Under the leadership of Dr. Irons, the State Public Health
Laboratory was licensed for the purpose of manufacturing vaccines against
whooping cough, diphtheria, typhoid, and smallpox. 

Dr. Irons also served as an adjunct professor of microbiology at The
University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and The University of
Texas at Austin and authored or coauthored more than 90 scientific and
professional publications during his career.  He was also a member of many
health-related organizations, often serving in leadership positions, and
received numerous honors and recognitions for his work. 

It is indeed fitting that Dr. Irons be memorialized for his achievements
as a leader in the field of public health in Texas and that this
recognition be in association with a facility that so accurately
represents his contribution and commitment. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.C.R. 24 submits the following resolutions:

That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby direct the Texas
Building and Procurement Commission to name the new public health
laboratory building in Austin for Dr. Jesse Vernal Irons as a tribute to
his dedication and remarkable efforts toward the health and betterment of
all Texans. 

That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to
the chair and the executive director of the Texas Building and Procurement
Commission.