[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MAITLAND KEILER OF SUMTER COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mr. Maitland Keiler, one of my accomplished constituents who 
dedicated his life to improving health services in his community and 
beyond.
  Mr. Keiler was born in 1933 in Royal, Florida to Will and Melbira 
Keiler. In the early 1970's, he moved to Apopka, Florida where he 
earned a living picking oranges. He then met four Catholic sisters who 
had worked to found a health clinic for farmers and migrant workers in 
the area, the West Orange Farmer's Clinic. Working with the sisters and 
at the clinic began a new chapter in Mr. Keiler's life. He eventually 
became one of the first African-Americans appointed to serve on the 
board of the West Orange Farmer's Clinic.
  Wishing to bring similar services to his community which was also in 
dire need, Mr. Keilier approached Mr. Ellery Gray, director of the West 
Orange Clinic, about opening a clinic in Sumter County. In 
collaboration with the county, Mr. Grey and Mr. Keiler succeeded in 
opening ``Project Health'' in 1974. Once a simple, modest clinic, 
Project Health is today the Thomas E. Langley Medical Center. The 
Center has expanded to more than 41,000 square feet of combined 
medical, dental, behavioral health, radiology, pharmacy and 
administrative services
  Madam Speaker, men and women like Meitland Keiler are the ones truly 
making a difference in their communities because of their passion and 
their drive. Mr. Keiler's story should serve as an inspiration to 
others, and I am proud to know that one of my constituents worked so 
hard to make his dream a reality and the lives of his fellow citizens 
better and healthier.

                          ____________________