[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE CLIFFORD W. BEERS GUIDANCE CLINIC ON THEIR 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join with staff, clients, and the Greater New Haven community in 
celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Clifford W. Beers Guidance 
Clinic of New Haven, Connecticut. This is a milestone for a special 
organization.
  ``A pen rather than a lance has been my weapon of offense and 
defense; for with its point I have felt sure that I should one day 
prick the civic conscience into a compassionate activity, and thus 
bring into a neglected field earnest men and women who should act as 
champions for those afflicted thousands least able to fight for 
themselves.'' This passage, taken from Clifford W. Beers' A Mind That 
Found Itself, has and continues to be the guiding principle of the 
clinic and its staff. Since its inception in 1913, the clinic has 
strived to address the critical needs of the mentally ill and has 
expanded its mission to assist children and families who face such 
crises as violence, teenage suicide, drug use, homelessness, physical 
and sexual abuse, and the impact of AIDS on children.
  Clifford Whittingham Beers, one of the first mental health advocates 
in America, founded the clinic as a compassionate alternative to early 
psychiatric institutions where the mentally ill were treated. His own 
battle with mental illness inspired Beers to the belief that those 
suffering from ``diseases of the mind'' would have the best chance to 
become healthy and productive if they received treatment and 
understanding in their own communities. His work and unparalleled 
advocacy changed the face of American psychiatry.
  Today, the clinic, working with local agencies and organizations, is 
able to provide a multitude of programs to those most in need. The 
partnerships they have established allow them to provide comprehensive 
services to their clients--making a real difference in the lives of 
thousands of children and families. Just recently, I had the 
opportunity to visit the Clifford Beers Clinic and was touched by the 
story of a man whose children received care at the clinic. The pure 
gratitude that this man expressed to the clinic and its staff for being 
there for him and his family is indescribable. In building upon the 
vision of Clifford Beers, the clinic has been able to provide one of 
life's most precious gifts--hope.
  Through its gift of hope, the Clifford Beers Clinic has left an 
indelible mark on our community and the thousands of lives they have 
touched. For its many invaluable contributions to our community and for 
all of their work on behalf of our children and families, I am proud to 
stand today and extend my sincere congratulations to the Clifford W. 
Beers Guidance Clinic on their 90th Anniversary.

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