[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  25TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRI-COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL RETARDATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
anniversary of the Tri-County Mental Health and Mental Retardation 
being designated as the MHMR center for Montgomery, Liberty and Walker 
counties in southeast Texas. I ask my colleagues and those visitors in 
the House Chamber to join me in congratulating Tri-County MHMR and 
applauding the work they've done over the past quarter century.
  Twenty-six years ago, a small group of community leaders joined 
together to make the dream of local MHMR services a reality--the dream 
they shared became a reality on September 1, 1983. What initially was 
only an out-patient service center grew to have a budget of $1.5 
million and 46 employees by the end of the first year. Tri-County MHMR 
grew from these humble beginnings into a $22 million system that serves 
nearly 7,000 people and has more than 350 employees.
  It is only through the dedication of the founders, the continued work 
of the employees, and the support of the community that Tri-County MHMR 
has seen such tremendous success and been able to make such a positive 
impact on the community.
  If you name the service chances are Tri-County MHMR offers it; from 
outpatient psychiatric services, nursing and counseling to supported 
employment, habilitation and vocational training for both adults and 
children. The impact they've had has been felt locally and with the 
help of Federal grants, they continue to offer new services and provide 
better care. Only last year, they received over $1.3 million to build 
additional supported apartment housing in Montgomery County. Tri-County 
MHMR continues to grow and identify new areas where they can contribute 
and, with the help of the State of Texas, the Montgomery County 
Hospital District, and the Montgomery County United Way, Tri-County 
MHMR will open a much needed Crisis Stabilization Unit in 2009.
  It is an honor to recognize such an impressive group of individuals 
and such a noble organization. I hope all Americans can learn from the 
example Tri-County MHMR continues to make and step forward to fill a 
need in their local community, help other people, and in a small way 
help make life better for someone else.

                          ____________________