[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OREGON HEALTH CARE HERO

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to salute a trio of 
Oregon Health Care Heroes. Three agencies, El Programa Hispano, the 
Desarrollo Integral de la Familia, and the Oregon Council for Hispanic 
Advancement, are working together to provide much needed mental health 
services to Oregon's growing Latino community. Their combined effort is 
helping clients improve relationships, find a listening ear and access 
the services they need to live healthier lives.
  Funded by a grant from Multnomah County, the agencies work with 
Latino families and individual clients facing a variety of challenges: 
from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress and domestic 
abuse. Part of the success of this project is that counselor and client 
share language and culture. Before these agencies began serving 
clients, finding a counselor who speaks Spanish or understands Mexican 
and Latin American cultures was next to impossible.
  In a recent profile published by the Portland Oregonian, counselor 
Marcos T. Sanchez discussed the importance of sharing language and 
culture with clients.

       It makes such a big difference when you come in and the 
     receptionist can speak to you in Spanish. People walking by 
     can say, ``Have you been helped?'' When you go to the clinic, 
     you're already feeling alienated. But if you don't have to 
     risk as much to get these services, you are much better off.

  The project is also successful because it networks within the Latino 
community and employs nontraditional methods to help clients. 
Therapists conduct home visits to work with whole families and to 
better understand the needs of individual clients. This individualized 
approach to care, combined with culturally sensitive services, will 
ensure that quality care reaches those who need it most. As the service 
expands, it will serve as a national model for bringing together the 
best in community care and mental health services.
  Through the vision of the Latino Network and the resources of 
Multnomah County, these agencies are reaching people in need. They 
connect with people and care for clients in a unique way that is making 
a real difference in the lives of Latino Oregonians. I thank El 
Programa Hispano, the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement and the 
Desarrollo Integral de la Familia for their excellent work. They are 
heroes to the people they serve and to all Oregonians.

                          ____________________