[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE NORTH COAST HEALTH MINISTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
North Coast Health Ministry on the occasion of the dedication of their 
new home on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio.
  In 1986, North Coast Health Ministries began seeing patients one 
night a week in Dr. Elmer's Office at St. John West Shore. Since that 
time, North Coast Health Ministries has been providing free medical 
services for low-income uninsured individuals in western Cuyahoga and 
eastern Lorain Counties. Last year, the Ministry provided for 5,170 
patient visits through staff and volunteer physicians, nurses and 
clerical support teams.
  In 1988 the Ministry moved to Lakewood and has since been occupying 
space donated by Lakewood Hospital. In July of 2003, North Coast Health 
Ministries received a three-year capital grant from the Elisabeth 
Severance Prentiss Foundation that allowed it to purchase a new home in 
Lakewood debt-free.
  This new facility will allow staff and volunteers to serve their 
patients more efficiently in a warm and welcoming environment. It will 
also provide for increasing visibility in the community which will 
allow North Coast Health Ministry to reach more patients.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing North Coast Health 
Ministry's efforts to give back to the community. I encourage all 
citizens to support North Coast Health Ministry in its mission of 
serving the poor and uninsured in this time of growing need.

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