[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID J. MATA

                                 ______


                        HON. MICHAEL J. KOPETSKI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. KOPETSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to honor a 
great humanitarian and outstanding community leader, Dr. David Joseph 
Mata. Dr. Mata's exceptional career reflects the remarkable 
accomplishments of his life's dream and deep dedication to people.
  Upon arrival at Salud Medical Center in Woodburn, OR, Dr. Mata began 
his current work as a strong innovative medical director and physician 
of the clinic that ministers to a predominately poor clientele, 80 
percent of whom are migrant farmworkers from Mexico and may have never 
sought medical attention. As the new medical director at Salud, he 
began addressing innovative programs to help migrant farmworkers in the 
surrounding four-county area. He was instrumental in starting a unique 
midwifery obstetrical service at Silverton Hospital for migrant and 
low-income pregnant women by using family physicians in collaboration, 
this is a historic first in the State of Oregon. Dr. Mata developed a 
revolutionary hospital and clinic practice that is culturally sensitive 
and maintains continuity of care. He is known nationally as a noted 
speaker and educator in the area of cross cultural medicine.
  Dr. Mata is not a typical physician who will follow a regular 
practice with a six figure wage. He is a man who will provide medical 
service to 33,000 patients per year in an underserved area, make hours 
or camp calls, accept phone calls at 2 a.m., or travel in extreme 
weather just to make sure one more person will live a day longer. He is 
that rare individual who keeps his faith regardless of the challenge or 
obstacles thrown his way.
  However, Mr. Speaker, I would most like to commend Dr. David Joseph 
Mata on his most recent award as The Outstanding Young Person of the 
World. The TOYP program of Junior Chamber International serves to 
recognize 10 individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify in 
10 specific categories the best attributes of the world's young people. 
Dr. Mata was the only one chosen from the United States. Last year he 
was named 1 of the top 10 young Americans by the U.S. Junior Chamber of 
Commerce. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Dr. Mata's 
services to his community.

                          ____________________