Programs and Events

Senior Senate Staff Member Visits Vientiane

Dr. Blank has an informal discussion with Lao students at the Lao-American Center.

Dr. Blank  and Mr. Carroll view patients learning to use computers at Somsanga Center.

Dr. Jonah Blank, a Professional Staff Member from the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate, visited Laos April 1-3, 2007.

During a visit to the Mittaphab (Friendship) Hospital, Dr. Blank met with the hospital's director, Professor Vanliem Bouaravong and other staff members to discuss preparations for managing an outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) in Laos. Mittaphab Hospital’s isolation unit will be a key resource in helping control an AI outbreak.  

At the Somsanga Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Blank met with staff members and patients recovering from addiction to amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Somsanga Center Director Mr. Sisouphanh Boupha briefed him on treatment of ATS addiction and he observed vocational training, including training on computers provided by the U.S. Embassy, to offer former addicts alternative ways of earning a living.  

During his visit to the American Center located at the Lao-American College (LAC), Dr. Blank talked with a group of LAC students about his eventful life, which has included teaching in Japan, working as a journalist in India, and writing two books on India.  He also discussed his work as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff. Dr. Blank’s lively and friendly style made him popular with the students who asked him a wide range of questions about his life and the United States.

Dr. Blank also met with a number of Lao government officials and National Assembly members.