[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ALICEMARIE SLAVEN-EMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
AliceMarie Slaven-Emond, who was recently honored as one of only ten 
people in the entire nation to be selected as a 2003 Robert Wood 
Johnson Community Health Leader. This prestigious award includes a 
grant of over $100,000 to enhance AliceMarie's work.
  AliceMarie is cofounder, primary health care provider and volunteer 
executive director of the Northeast San Juan County Health and Wellness 
Center in Aztec, NM. The center is a community owned, nonprofit clinic, 
where patients receive primary care services, preventive screenings, 
immunizations, pre- and post-natal care and free medications. Services 
are offered on a sliding-fee scale, depending on income.
  Working as a school nurse in the Aztec school district, AliceMarie 
was uniquely aware of children who were suffering medically because 
their families were uninsured or could not afford a doctor. To address 
these demands, AliceMarie, along with other concerned citizens, 
launched the planning process for a clinic in 1992 and opened its doors 
in 2000. The early stages were very difficult, but because of the 
steadfast commitment, determination, enthusiasm, tenacity and hard 
work, AliceMarie and her cofounders achieved a ``miracle.'' But 
AliceMarie is always quick to acknowledge the ``incredible 
graciousness'' of San Juan County. She reports that without the 
donations of cash, supplies, labor and many other services by local 
businesses, medical professionals and private benefactors, success 
could not have been possible.
  The San Juan County Health and Wellness Center is an example of how 
one person can make a difference. Because of AliceMarie's unending 
determination, the quality of life for hundreds of people has been 
improved. The clinic began serving about 35 patients a month and now 
provides medical attention to 185 to 200 children and adults monthly, 
regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or financial means. In 
addition, AliceMarie is proud of the fact that the center is also a 
resource facility that provides valuable health care education and 
information to the community.
  AliceMarie Slaven-Emond is not only an extremely caring and dedicated 
nurse practitioner, but an extraordinary visionary and leader. Having 
visited the clinic myself, I have experienced first hand the incredible 
work that is being accomplished. I am proud to recognize AliceMarie 
today before my colleagues as a model of commitment to the betterment 
of the human condition. I also extend my deep appreciation to her 
cofounders, staff and San Juan County citizens for helping to make a 
dream a reality. As uninsured families continue to increase at the rate 
of 13 percent this year alone, AliceMarie and the San Juan County 
Health and Wellness Center are helping to fill the gap and are heroes 
in the truest sense. A great need existed, and caring and giving 
citizens rose to the occasion, with AliceMarie as the catalyst. I 
salute this very great lady.

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