[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 189 (Monday, December 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RUTHE B. COWL REHABILITATION CENTER

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 14, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th 
anniversary of the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center serving Laredo, 
Texas, Webb County, and surrounding areas. This center is nationally 
renowned and serves a wide range of comprehensive services including 
physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, ideological 
assessment, counseling, and social services.
  The late Mrs. Ruthe B. Cowl founded the Center in 1958 with a mission 
to establish a treatment center for people with disabilities of all 
kinds. Formerly known as the Laredo Rehabilitation Center, the Ruthe B. 
Cowl Rehabilitation Center assists to the needs of disabled, physically 
challenged and handicapped individuals through a series of treatments 
and services. This grand initiative started on modest means of two 
small rooms of an old Health Department in 1959. Since 1966, the Center 
has continued to expand. The Center was renamed by Board Resolution to 
the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center in 1970 to honor Mrs. Cowl for 
her tireless efforts for disabled services. Today, the Center stands as 
a beautiful, modern facility of nearly 33,000 square feet.
  The Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center has been acclaimed at the 
State and National levels for being a pacesetter in the services 
provided in the area of rehabilitation. The Center is responsible for 
bringing many firsts to the Laredo and surrounding areas. The Center 
plays a unique role in the community for achieving its mission to 
provide specialized services to those with birth defects, strokes, 
brain injuries, amputations, emotional problems and other physical 
conditions that impact quality of life. For 50 years, the Center has 
ensured that the certified, dedicated staff equipped with the best 
equipment and services are able to serve the community. The Center is a 
nonprofit organization which serves an average of 135 patients per day. 
It has provided millions of therapy visits to all in need regardless of 
the patient's ability to pay. The dedication, passion, and commitment 
that the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center has provided for the past 
50 years have been a great service to the community.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 50th anniversary of the 
Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center. The Center is celebrating 50 years 
of service and continuing its mission to assist all disabled, 
handicapped and physically challenged individuals who deserve quality 
life and treatment. I thank you for this time.

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