[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E369-E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF PACKARD HEALTH'S YPSILANTI HEALTH 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ceremonial 
opening of Packard Health's Ypsilanti Health Center on Tuesday March 
29th, 2016.
  Packard Health's two Ann Arbor locations have been serving all of 
Washtenaw County for the last 43 years. That means 43 years of serving 
our family, friends, and neighbors. From prenatal, pediatric, mental 
health, and chronic disease care, Packard Health works to provide the 
community with essential primary care needs. They have not only earned, 
but solidified their reputation as a vital community resource, 
providing health services to those who don't have access, or cannot 
afford health care. Beginning December 2015 this new Packard Health 
location in Ypsilanti has begun treating Washtenaw County's most 
underserved group of individuals in a more immediate way.
  Ypsilanti has been one of the hardest hit communities with respect to 
the recent economic down turn, with a poverty rate nearing 30 percent. 
Nearly 3 out of 10 people are living without the basic necessities many 
of us take for granted. Though our national conversation about health 
care has taken center stage over the last several years there are still 
far too many people living without the adequate health care coverage, 
and even more who lack access to doctors, nurses and facilities. I 
believe that health care is a basic and fundamental right, regardless 
of income, age, or background. This new Packard Health location in 
Ypsilanti is positioned to do the most good for so many of the 
individuals with the

[[Page E370]]

greatest need in Washtenaw County. Currently, Packard Health has 
treated over 8,000 patients annually; we can ensure that this coverage 
will now extend its reach into and through the Ypsilanti community. 
This new location extends the promise to our people to unlock their 
ability to lead healthier, happier, and more satisfied lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the opening 
of the new Ypsilanti Packard Health Center. I wish them the best of 
luck with their important work and success in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________