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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MINNESOTA COMMUNITY CARE
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HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Minnesota Community
Care's 50th anniversary. With 18 locations in Saint Paul that serve
more than 37,000 patients each year, Minnesota Community Care is the
largest federally qualified community health center in Minnesota and a
leader in innovative, compassionate, community-based care for patients
where they live, work and go to school.
Since 1969, Minnesota Community Care has been serving the health care
needs of its patients across Saint Paul in a culturally appropriate
way. In 1972, the nonprofit organization was incorporated as West Side
Health Center, delivering care to 1900 patients from a clinic in the
Neighborhood House community center in the heart of the neighborhood.
A foundational part of Minnesota Community Care's mission is
providing care to our most vulnerable populations, including young
people, homeless and uninsured families, and others in need. Its Health
Care for the Homeless program began in 1987. In 1992, in collaboration
with Ramsey County, it started its HouseCalls homeless prevention
program. A year later, working with the St. Paul Public Housing Agency,
it established McDonough Homes Clinic--a primary care clinic for public
housing residents in the North End neighborhood.
Minnesota Community Care is a leader in providing affordable dental
care, understanding its impact on overall health. In 1978, it started
providing dental services and in 2001, West Side Dental Clinic was
established. In 2013, with the help from a major Affordable Care Act
grant, it expanded its dental care to reach more patients when it
opened its new East Side Family Clinic.
As communities across our state have worked to improve educational
achievement, Minnesota Community Care is working to keep students
healthy and in school learning by caring for student patients where
they are. Through its 10 school-based clinics, youth can access
critical medical, mental health, and nutrition services and learn to be
advocates for their health. These school-based clinics are a model for
improving health and education outcomes at the same time.
Madam Speaker, it was a pleasure to host you during your visit to
Saint Paul in May as we met with leaders from Minnesota Community Care
and other community health centers. Working to strengthen our community
health centers is one of the most effective ways to increase access to
affordable health care across our community. Please join me in honoring
the 50th anniversary of Minnesota Community Care's dedication to
providing quality and affordable health care for all.
____________________
