[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE STROKE COMEBACK CENTER'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Stroke Comeback 
Center on the occasion of its 10th anniversary and the critical health 
care services that it provides to stroke survivors and their families 
in our community.
  The SCC is a non-profit founded by Darlene Williamson and John 
Phillips in 2004 to create a community in which stroke survivors and 
their families could receive proper long-term treatment. Meaningful 
care for stroke survivors is limited in the United States, and the SCC 
is one of less than ten such facilities. The mission of the SCC has 
been to pick up where traditional health care coverage misguidedly 
leaves off by providing affordable speech and language services to 
stroke survivors in a supportive and participating environment. No 
patient is ever turned away because they can't afford the cost.
  The current situation of stroke coverage and care is in desperate 
need of reform. It is common misconception that recovery is quick and 
easy when in reality stroke survivors require comprehensive 
rehabilitation for a protracted period of time to fully regenerate 
their cognitive and physical abilities. Yes insurance coverage for such 
care, if provided at all, runs out within 3-12 months, and the Medicare 
therapy cap for speech and physical therapy falls well short of 
covering the true costs. There is an estimated direct and indirect cost 
of about $73.7 billion. However, it is impossible to measure the 
emotional, physical, and financial burden a stroke puts on a survivor 
and their family.
  Today, the SCC operates with about 100 individuals served in 40 
groups weekly, growing from just five groups in 2005. More than a dozen 
committed volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours annually. The SCC 
works closely with national, state, and local stroke-related 
organizations and receives referrals from all of the major hospital 
centers in the metropolitan area. Ninety-three percent of survivors 
report improvement in one or more areas of speaking, listening, writing 
or reading. On average, survivors report that they are now three times 
more confident in their social interactions allowing them to 
reestablish their role in their family and the community. The success 
of the SCC is due in part to their undiminished and comprehensive 
programs. Its life participation, group-based approach helps patients 
achieve their maximum potential.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions and achievements of the Stroke Comeback Center and its 
dedicated staff and volunteers over the past 10 years. The services and 
programs offered by the SCC fill a void in the rehabilitation process 
and significantly improve the quality of lives of stroke survivors and 
their families.

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