[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 101 (Thursday, July 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 30th Anniversary of the Open Door Community Health Centers. Open 
Door began in 1971 as a volunteer clinic providing health, legal and 
other social services. Their mission has always been to provide high 
quality, affordable health care to all without regard for financial, 
geographical, or social barriers.
  In its thirty-year tenure, Open Door has grown tremendously, 
presently operating eight community health centers in Humboldt and Del 
Norte counties. Open Door provides quality care to 32,000 patients a 
year and employs 250 people. The Mobile Health program serves over 
thirty school and community sites, bringing care to remote areas that 
would otherwise remain underserved.
  In addition to providing two million dollars a year in free or 
reduced-fee services, Open Door has acted as an incubator for many new 
programs that have since become key service agencies for our community. 
Open Door has been instrumental in identifying the health needs of 
rural communities and in bringing them to the attention of state and 
federal legislators.
  The committed staff of the Open Door Community Health Centers strives 
daily to provide the utmost in quality care for our community. Mr. 
Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and honor 
their dedication on this 30th Anniversary of the Open Door Community 
Health Centers.

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