[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 129 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING SEATTLE INDIAN HEALTH BOARD 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to offer special 
recognition to the Seattle Indian Health Board, SIHB, on its upcoming 
40th anniversary celebration. Since its founding in 1970, SIHB has 
played a critical role in improving the access to and quality of 
healthcare for the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities 
throughout King County. The organization serves as a great model for 
other Native care organizations throughout the country.
  The Seattle Indian Health Board began its mission working with an 
all-volunteer staff out of various donated spaces. Within five years of 
its founding, SIHB grew to a staff of several dozen workers who served 
over 12,000 patients annually through various programs, including 
Thunderbird Fellowship House, SIHB's alcoholism treatment center.
  In the following decades, SIHB expanded its programs and staff in a 
variety of ways and has been diligent in pursuing new methods for 
helping its community members. Its services extend beyond medical and 
dental assistance; SIHB also provides a variety of mental health 
programs, guidance to Native youth, and generous programs to take care 
of the elderly and returning veterans.
  These are difficult times; our Nation faces difficult challenges at 
home, and our Native communities are some of the most vulnerable. The 
Seattle Indian Health Board has done an excellent job in making sure 
that these communities receive the care and attention they need. For 
this, they have my deep gratitude and congratulations on four decades 
of service, and my best wishes for many more.

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