H.R. 7623: Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill, titled the Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act, aims to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom House Ambulance Service. The recognition is for its significant contributions to the Pittsburgh community and the field of emergency medical services.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill includes several important components:

1. Short Title

   The bill can be cited as the Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act.

2. Findings

   Congress acknowledges the following points regarding Freedom House Ambulance Service:

   • It was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by paramedics with advanced medical training beyond basic first aid.
   • Before Freedom House, ambulance services were typically provided by police or funeral homes, offering limited care and resulting in unnecessary deaths.
   • Established in 1965, it aimed to provide job training and opportunities for residents in the underserved Hill District of Pittsburgh.
   • The service was founded with the help of notable figures including Philip Hallen and Dr. Peter Safar, which led to innovations in emergency medical care.
   • Despite having a significant impact on medical outcomes and emergency services, Freedom House was defunded in 1975 amid political issues, yet its methods influenced national standards for emergency medical services.
   • The service's legacy highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in health care and civil rights.

3. Gold Medal Presentation

   The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a presentation of a single gold medal to commemorate Freedom House Ambulance Service for its dedicated service.

4. Design and Striking

   The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with creating the gold medal, which will include suitable designs and inscriptions.

5. Display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

   The awarded gold medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian for display and research purposes. Congress expresses that the medal should also be displayed in other locations related to the Freedom House Ambulance Service.

6. Duplicate Medals

   The Secretary may create and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover costs, ensuring that expenses related to the medal's production are met.

7. Status of Medals

   The gold medal and any duplicates produced are categorized as national medals and recognized as numismatic items.

8. Funds for the Medal

   The bill authorizes expenses to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs associated with the medal. Proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals will also go into this fund.

Relevant Companies

None found.