[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF FREE CLINIC OF SIMI VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of 35 years of 
continuous community service by the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
  The Free Clinic is a non-profit, volunteer-based community 
organization that provides medical care, counseling, dental, and legal 
assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to 
pay. Throughout its history, it has enjoyed widespread support from the 
medical and legal communities, service groups, and elected officials.
  Funding for the Free Clinic is provided primarily by private 
foundations, corporations, local service organizations, and individual 
donors.
  All services offered at the clinic's fully licensed facilities are 
provided by volunteers, which include doctors, nurses, nurse 
practitioners, medical assistants, dentists, dental assistants, 
lawyers, paralegals, marriage and family therapists, MFT trainees, and 
interns.
  Last year alone, more than 8,000 patients received services through 
the clinic, including general medical care, immunizations, smoking 
cessation programs, and counseling. The dental clinic, which just 
opened in May 2005, served 79 patients before the year was out. Over 
its 35-year history, the clinic has served an estimated 70,000 children 
and adults.
  Despite the impressive number of patients served, the Board of 
Directors and staff practice frugality, with operating costs of less 
than $225,000 in 2005. That speaks highly of the caliber of 
professionals who volunteer their services for the betterment of their 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
Free Clinic of Simi Valley, its board members over the years, its 
staff, and its volunteers for 35 years of service to our community.

                          ____________________