[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE MORRIS HEIGHTS HEALTH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
pay tribute to the Morris Heights Health Center as they celebrate 25 
years of providing quality health care in the Bronx. On May 5, 2005 the 
Morris Heights Health Center Foundation will hold its Silver 
Anniversary Benefit Gala.
  For twenty-five years the Morris Heights Health Center has been 
providing affordable, quality health care to the Bronx Community. 
Founded by Morris Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association, Morris 
Heights Health Center obtained a small federal planning grant in 1980 
to address the medical abandonment of the community. In 1981 the Health 
Center opened a modest facility of 7,000 square feet with a staff of 6 
and treated just under 3000 patients in its first year. Under the 
leadership of Founding President and CEO Verona Greenland and the 
Center Board of Directors the Morris Heights Health Center has 
developed into a comprehensive health care organization with a staff of 
400 providing primary and specialty care, dental, mental health, and 
supportive services to 50,000 patients annually at 5 facilities and in 
4 public schools.
  The Morris Heights Health Center has accomplished many feats 
throughout its quarter century in the Bronx. In 1988, the Center 
sponsored the first free standing birthing center in a low income 
neighborhood in the country (The Women's Health and Birthing Pavilion 
of Morris Heights Health Center). In 1989 the Center's model HIV 
Treatment and Prevention Program was selected by the federal government 
for replication throughout the country as a part of the Ryan White 
Title III HIV Program. In their efforts to serve more people, the 
Center plans to build a new $29 million, 116,585 square foot, 6-story 
mixed use facility that will include low-income, senior citizen 
housing, commercial services and an expansion of medical services. This 
program, which is being constructed in partnership with the Mount Hope 
Housing Company, shows an increased understanding that healthcare and 
housing issues are intertwined.
  Mr. Speaker, Morris Heights Health Center has served as a strong 
voice for the medically underserved in my community. They have helped 
thousands of Bronx residents address their healthcare needs without 
mortgaging their futures. In a district in which impoverished families 
struggle to make ends meet, it is comforting to know that such a 
dedicated organization is working to ensure residents receive quality 
health services. I am glad to count organizations such as Morris 
Heights Health Center Foundation as allies in the effort to improve the 
neighborhoods and communities in the Bronx. I want to thank Morris 
Heights Health Center for their twenty five years of service to the 
people of the Bronx and I ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to this fine organization.

                          ____________________