[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11188-S11189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN OREGON REHABILITATION CENTER AND CLINICS

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, it is my sincere pleasure to 
congratulate the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics on 
being awarded the 15th Annual Secretary Robert W. Carey Performance 
Excellence Award. On November 16, 2006, the SORCC was honored with the 
Carey Award, an award given by the Department of Veterans Affairs 
acknowledging those VA organizations which exhibit performance and 
organizational excellence.
  Nearly 400,000 of our Nation's veterans reside in the State of 
Oregon.

[[Page S11189]]

The service of these men and women makes me proud to be an Oregonian. 
Unfortunately, oftentimes with great heroism comes great risk. Mental 
impairments, along with a variety of contributing factors, have led to 
a large concentration of homeless veterans in Oregon, totaling roughly 
one-third of Oregon's homeless population.
  The SORCC in White City, Oregon directly focuses on the needs of the 
homeless, mentally ill, and substance abusers. Serving for over 56 
years, the SORCC is the VA's only freestanding rehabilitation center, 
carefully tailored to treat debilitating problems unaddressed by 
standard VA medical centers and clinics. White City pays special 
attention to Oregon's substantial Veterans homeless population, with 75 
percent of all applicants stating that they are without a home.
  While about one-fourth of the Veterans living within the general 
proximity of the facility receive some type of care from the SORCC, its 
exclusivity in Veteran specialty care has attracted patients from over 
35 States. Potential patients are likely persuaded not solely by the 
specialized treatment and expertise of the staff, but because of the 
time invested in each patient's recovery. White City offers a variety 
of community activities which expedite patient development and growth, 
while forming valuable relationships with staffers. Perhaps most 
impressive of all, the SORCC retains consistently high outpatient 
scores between 80 and 90 percent.
  Referred to by many as ``The Dom,'' in reference to its history and 
present role as a domiciliary, the SORCC is an important facility for 
Oregon veterans who need treatment outside of the home. Just over two 
years ago, the VA considered closing the White City facility. I was 
strongly against the potential closure and worked to ensure that its 
doors remained opened to our Nation's veterans. After careful 
deliberation, the Department of Veterans Affairs concluded that its 
success in treating difficult addiction cases is unheralded, and 
immediately implemented plans to repair and expand the existing 
facility.
  The SORCC continues to operate and serve Oregon's veterans with high 
levels of professionalism and success. The population served by White 
City continues to expand, including more than 120 returning veterans 
from the global war on terrorism. I am privileged today to offer my 
congratulations to the SORCC. Their continued commitment to safety, 
compassion, and growth will serve as a model for VA organizations 
nationwide.

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