[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8200-S8201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MOUNTAIN VALLEY MEDICAL CLINIC

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, right now in my home state of 
Vermont, a very special institution, the Mountain Valley Medical 
Clinic, MVMC, in Londonderry, VT, is celebrating 25 years of service. 
Rural clinics such as Mountain Valley, play a critical role in 
delivering health care, especially in States as rural as Vermont.
  Twenty-five years ago, it was not unusual for communities such as 
Londonderry, to receive health care through a single practitioner, who 
serviced the region. In 1976, as Londonderry's sole practitioner, Dr. 
Elizabeth Pingree, was retiring, the impending lack of health care in 
the area became a real concern. A group of involved citizens recognized 
that people would either be forced to drive great distances to be seen 
by a physician, or they would go without care. The entire community 
responded by coming together to create the Mountain Valley Medical 
Clinic.
  The founding fathers, and mothers, of Mountain Valley recognized the 
rapidly expanding need for improved and broader health care services in 
the area. With tireless energy, enthusiasm and dedication, these key 
individuals succeeded in generating widespread support throughout the 
neighboring communities. They raised funds, developed plans, created a 
board of volunteers, and opened a state-of-the-art, comprehensive, 
health care facility to serve area residents and visitors. 
Additionally, they created an infrastructure that served all citizens 
regardless of their ability to pay.
  Since opening its doors in 1976, more than 300,000 patients have 
visited this clinic for care. Over the recent decade, more than 11,000 
per year have sought medical assistance. Much of the cost of the care 
has been curtailed by Medicare, Medicaid, or provided without 
reimbursement. Staying true to its mission, the dedicated staff and 
volunteer Board of Directors balanced financial losses, each and every 
year, with the generous support of the community.
  As a model rural health care facility, Mountain Valley reminds us 
that bigger, faster, cheaper, and fancier, do not necessarily translate 
to better health care. In fact, many part-time residents in this 
community consider Mountain Valley to be their primary care provider, 
even though, or perhaps because, they reside in large cities up and 
down the east coast. I wish other institutions could follow the example 
of Mountain Valley Health Clinic.
  As this noteworthy institution celebrates its 25th anniversary, it 
remains one of a kind. It is unique among its peers throughout the 
country for its philosophy and independence, but most of all, because 
it is the product of so many remarkable people and ideas. It is truly 
part of the communities it serves. Residents and visitors in the 
Mountain Valley service area have much to be proud of, and grateful 
for, with the steadfast medical care given

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by the professionals and staff at Mountain Valley Medical 
Clinic.

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