[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S11902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES' NEW CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the Houston 
arrival of a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile--a state-of-the-art pediatric 
mobile healthcare unit. It is one of the first in an innovative 
initiative of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, known and respected 
worldwide for its dedication to improving children's health.
  In cooperation with its local affiliates and local hospitals or 
health systems, RMHC has begun rolling out these Ronald McDonald Care 
Mobiles to bring free medical and dental services to children in 
underserved communities. The Houston Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will 
be operated and staffed by the Harris County Hospital District. It will 
travel, on a regular schedule, to schools, churches, apartment 
complexes and other neighborhood sites where need is great. This RMHC 
partnership will significantly strengthen the District's capacity to 
serve the county's disadvantaged children and their families.
  The Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles are a far cry from the usual 
converted vans and school buses. They are specially-designed 
pediatricians' offices on wheels, with two patient examination rooms, a 
laboratory, reception and medical records areas and, in some cases, a 
hearing screening booth and dental hygiene room. The units are also 
staffed to deliver first-rate care. Staffing will vary according to 
local needs but is likely to include a pediatrician, a pediatric nurse, 
and a manager. There may also be a social worker, a dental hygienist, 
an asthma specialist and/or medical residents, nursing students, and 
interns in training.
  The Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles will go directly into underserved 
communities. They will provide primary care, including immunizations 
and medical screenings; diagnosis, treatment, referral, and followup 
for serious medical and dental conditions; and health education for 
children and their families. Staff will also help eligible families 
obtain government-assisted health insurance and will partner with 
communities to address critical local childhood health needs.
  Our children are our nation's most precious resource. We are all 
beholden to the Ronald McDonald House Charities for bringing vital 
health care to the underserved so that they may learn and play and grow 
up strong. This truly is giving back to the community at its finest.

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