[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND WILLIE T. BARROW WELLNESS MEDICAL CENTER

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 1997

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Reverend Willie T. Barrow 
Wellness Medical Center of the Doctor's Hospital of Hyde Park that is 
being dedicated today in Chicago, IL. Originally founded in 1916 as the 
Illinois Central Railroad Hospital, the Doctor's Hospital of Hyde Park 
proudly serves more than 7,000 patients a month with a range of 
comprehensive community health services. And today, the hospital 
officially names The Wellness Center in honor of an electrifying 
community and spiritual leader, Dr. Willie T. Barrow, chairwoman of 
Operation PUSH.
  The dedication of the Reverend Willie T. Barrow Wellness Medical 
Center marks a victory for residents of the first congressional 
district and the south side of Chicago. As the health care industry 
grows more complex and costly, and community hospitals are shuttered, 
it is vital that poor and working people, the very young and the very 
old, continue to have access to quality, preventive health care. And in 
a community where the infant mortality rate soars above 20, this is 
critical.
  The hospital and the center are models of what community health care 
should be. Open 7 days a week, the hospital serves all in need. People 
without insurance, walk-ins, the homeless--all walk through the doors 
and receive quality care by a hard-working, well-trained staff.
  The hospital and center are truly committed to the community. When 
the Hyde Park Community Hospital faced financial difficulties a few 
years ago, the leadership and perseverance of Dr. James H. Desnick 
assured that the hospital remained in the community, preserving more 
than 500 jobs and preserving health care services for residents.
  Today, Dr. Desnick and the community officially name the Wellness 
Center in honor of Rev. Willie T. Barrow. Reverend Barrow exemplifies 
dedication in her life's work. As chairwoman of Operation PUSH, a 
founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, copastor of Mount Vernon 
Church of God in Chicago, and a long-time resident of the south shore 
community, Reverend Barrow truly serves the people. And in Chicago, she 
will be long remembered for her tireless work to elect Harold 
Washington, Chicago's first African-American mayor. Her commitment to 
human rights, civil rights, women's rights, and workers' rights 
inspires people across the Nation and across the globe.
  As Congressman of the first congressional district, I send my 
heartiest congratulations to Dr. Desnick, the hospital board, the 
Community Advisory Board, and the 700 staff members, on the occasion of 
the dedication of the Reverend Willie T. Barrow Wellness Medical 
Center.
  I am honored to represent the district that is home to the Reverend 
Willie T. Barrow Wellness Medical Center and to my good friend, Rev. 
Willie T. Barrow. And I pledge to continue my fight both in Congress 
and the city of Chicago to protect the survival of health programs like 
the center that promise to be a model for comprehensive community 
health care for people in need.
  I am proud to offer these words of congratulations.

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