[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REGARDING CARY MEDICAL CENTER

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                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cary 
Medical Center not only for 80 years of community health care services 
to Aroostook County but for receiving the National Job Corps 
Association's 2004 Alpha Award in the Community Category.
  The Cary Medical Center has played a unique and integral role in 
providing health services to the communities in Northern Maine. The 
Cary Medical Center offers a variety of excellent services to the 
people of Aroostook County. Its dietary department is one of the best 
in the country. Cary also has established itself as a leader in 
Community Health Education and Disease Prevention programs.
  The Cary Medical Center also has superior veterans' services. The VA 
outpatient clinic was the first facility of its type in the nation, 
providing outpatient medical care for Aroostook veterans since 1987. It 
has over 6,000 patient visits per year.
  The Cary Medical Center has been recognized by many organizations for 
its excellent service. In 1998, Cary Medical Center earned 
Accreditation with Commendation from the Joint Commission on 
Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, the highest rating 
attainable, placing Cary among the top 15 percent of hospitals in the 
nation in reference to nationally established guidelines on quality 
patient care.
  More recently, the Center received the National Job Corps 
Association's 2004 Alpha Award in the Community Category. This is an 
extraordinary achievement: Cary Medical Center will be one of 6 winners 
out of 107 national nominations. The Alfa Award is given to 
individuals, organizations and employers who are dedicated to helping 
Job Corps students. CMC manages the Certified Nurses Assistant program 
for the Loring Job Corps. The hospital provides both classroom and 
clinical instruction for students who select the vocation.
  Beyond excellent programs and the highest honors, perhaps the 
greatest achievement of all is the duration of service CMC has given to 
the community of Aroostook County. 80 years is a very long time to be 
serving people, and Northern Maine is surely a better place because of 
their contributions. I thank them for their dedication and service to 
the people of Maine, and commend them for this most recent award.

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