78R187 JXC-D

By:  Capelo                                                     H.C.R. No. 100



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, 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; and
	WHEREAS, 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; and
	WHEREAS, 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; also, 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; and
	WHEREAS, 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; and
	WHEREAS, 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; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, 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; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, 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.