Senate Resolution No. 409 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Dr. Robert Gore upon the occasion of his designation as a 2018 CNN Hero on December 9, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Robert Gore upon the occasion of his designation as a 2018 CNN Hero; this momentous occasion was celebrated on Sunday, December 9, 2018; and WHEREAS, After finishing his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, Robert Gore went on to the State University of New York at Buffalo for medical school; he then completed his emergency medicine residency training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, where he was chief resident; and WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Gore began his illustrious medical career as the Assistant Program Director for the Kings County-SUNY Downstate Emergency Medicine Residency Program for four years; and WHEREAS, With a true passion for saving lives, Dr. Robert Gore has worked in emergency medicine at trauma centers in both Chicago and New York City for the last 16 years; the reality of encountering repeat victims of gunshot wounds and devastated mothers whose children will never come home spurred him to do more; and WHEREAS, As the Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Robert Gore created KAVI, Kings Against Violence Initiative, in 2009; the nonprofit hospital, school and community based violence intervention program now serves more than 250 people in Brooklyn, New York, and has developed partnerships with other non-profits to maintain it as a 24/7 resource; and WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Gore, an attending physician and clinical assistant at Kings County Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, uses his "home base" for the hospital program; this vital organization serves as a place to not only heal patient's bodies from trauma, but also as an opportunity to heal their toxic behavior with psychological support; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Robert Gore, the school and community programs are run by KAVI peer graduate and college students, some of whom were once in the program themselves, and utilizes a curriculum which focuses on mediation and conflict resolution for middle and high school age students; and WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Gore is also the Founder of the Minority Medical Student Emergency Medicine (MMSEM) Summer Fellowship, which is a mentoring and enrichment program for underrepresented minorities interested in Emergency Medicine with a focus on project development; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has lectured around the United States, Caribbean and Asia, and has worked in East Africa, Haiti and South America; since 2008, he has served as a consultant for Clinique Esperance et Vie in Terrier Rouge, and is working towards establishing a regional health care system in the northern part of Haiti; and WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Gore is on the Board of Directors for EMEDEX International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the global promotion and advancement of emergency medicine, disaster management and public health; and WHEREAS, When he is not working, Dr. Robert Gore is an avid traveler, photographer and snowboarder, as well as a student of capoeira, Afro-Brazilian martial arts; and WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of his duties and responsibilities, Dr. Robert Gore's ongoing efforts and notable achievements have significantly contributed to bettering the quality of life in his community and around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dr. Robert Gore upon the occasion of his designation as a 2018 CNN Hero on December 9, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Robert Gore.