[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE GENESEE COUNTY FREE MEDICAL CLINIC

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on March 30th the Genesee County Free 
Medical Clinic will honor the healthcare providers that volunteer their 
time and talents to ensuring the uninsured low-income people of Genesee 
County have access to quality medical care.
  Conceived in 1991 by Dr. M. Nagaraju, the Genesee County Free Medical 
Clinic started as a one night a week clinic. Because there was no 
waiting room, the patients had to wait outside regardless of the 
weather. Today the clinic has its own building with 10 exam rooms, a 
licensed on-site pharmacy, and a waiting room. During an average week 
between 80 and 85 patients are treated and the clinic is the primary 
care provider for 3,000 uninsured patients. To be treated, a patient 
must be a Genesee County resident between 18 and 64 years old, have no 
medical coverage and income under 200 percent of the federal poverty 
level. The clinic is funded through their annual fundraising event--the 
Healing Hands 5K Run/Walk, grants and private donations.
  The commitment of the medical community is integral to the success of 
the clinic. Thirty-nine physicians, 48 nurses, 8 pharmacists, and other 
professionals donate their time and skills to treat patients. Sixty 
specialty care physicians and the 3 hospitals in Genesee County; 
Genesys Health Park, Hurley Medical Center and McLaren Regional Medical 
Center; work with the clinic to provide hospitalizations, laboratory 
services and diagnostic tests.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
applauding the work of the staff, medical community, volunteers, and 
supporters of the clinic for their selfless dedication to serving those 
in need. Twenty years ago the medical community saw a need in the 
greater Flint area to help those individuals that did not have health 
insurance and the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic was born. For the 
past 20 years the men and women of the medical community have been 
steadfast in their commitment to the clinic and I commend them for 
their enthusiasm, devotion, work and compassion.

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