[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE NETWORK OF THE COLUMBUS, 
                  GEORGIA, REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today, during National Hospital Week, I 
honor accomplishments of the Community Healthcare Network. Earlier this 
week, the American Hospital Association presented its prestigious NOVA 
award to the Community Healthcare Network, which was established by 
Columbus Regional Healthcare System of Columbus, Georgia. This award 
recognizes hospitals' innovative and collaborative efforts to improve 
the health of their communities. I congratulate the dedicated health 
care workers of the Community Healthcare Network for achieving this 
important recognition.
  The Community Healthcare Network--a collaboration of public and 
private entities serving 19 counties in west Georgia and east Alabama--
exemplifies the dedication of health care workers, professionals, and 
volunteers who are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, curing and 
caring for their neighbors in need. Using the results of each county's 
baseline health status surveys, the Community Healthcare Network 
developed programs to meet each community's specific health needs. For 
example, primary health care centers were opened to serve children and 
adults in three rural counties. To increase accessibility, fees are 
based on the patients' abilities to pay.
  The Community Care Mobile Unit travels throughout the service area 
providing primary case services to the homeless and indigent. Once a 
week, the unit visits locations selected by teens to provide teen 
health services. In other collaborative projects, the network has led 
the way to establish a children's dental clinic, child health 
screenings at schools, and free transportation for prenatal visits.
  Mr. Speaker, the Community Healthcare Network embodies the theme of 
this year's National Hospital Week--``Touching the Future with Care.'' 
I congratulate the Columbus Regional Healthcare System for its award-
winning program, and I look forward to its future contributions to the 
communities of Georgia and Alabama.

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