[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CONNECTICUT MENTAL HEALTH CENTER ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 
                            50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2016

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with my sincere thanks and 
appreciation that I rise today to join the many who have gathered to 
mark the 50th Anniversary of the Connecticut Mental Health Center--a 
remarkable milestone for this exceptional institution.
  In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Community 
Mental Health Act, a pioneering piece of legislation that sought to 
transform the way in which we, as a society, approached mental health 
treatment. It was from this legislation that the Connecticut Mental 
Health Center, a unique partnership between the State of Connecticut 
and Yale University, was inspired and conceived. Opening its doors in 
1966, CMHC has been an invaluable resource to our community for half a 
century, not only as a service provider but as a leader in research, 
education, and community.
  Each year, more than five thousand of our most vulnerable citizens 
count on the Center for comprehensive clinical, addiction, and 
rehabilitative services. For fifty years, the Connecticut Mental Health 
Center has been transforming the lives of those with mental illness and 
addiction issues by providing a safe space where they can find the 
services they need to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their 
community.
  Their outreach programs for the homeless, those who are at serious 
risk for mental illness, or involved with the criminal justice system 
have helped to ensure that those most at risk are able to find the care 
they need. CMHC's community education programs have helped community 
leaders better understand mental illness and addiction and their 
professional education programs have trained hundreds in Psychiatry, 
Neuropharmacology, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, as well as Pastoral 
and Social Work. In addition, CMHC is a national leader in cutting-edge 
research and innovation.
  CMHC's mission statement concludes with a message to which they have 
strived for fifty years: ``Continued success means transforming our 
systems of care to be suitable to the new environment, while preserving 
our fundamental commitment to excellent culturally sensitive, clinical, 
rehabilitative, and preventative services, linked to nationally 
recognized research and educational programs.'' It is their dedication 
to continually ensuring that the care they are providing is meeting the 
changing needs of their clients and community that has been their 
greatest gift.
  I have had the privilege to work with the Connecticut Mental Health 
Center on a variety of issues over my tenure in Congress and have 
always been in awe of the outstanding work that they do. Today, as 
administrators, staff, supporters, and community leaders gather to mark 
this golden milestone, I am honored to extend my heartfelt 
congratulations to the Connecticut Mental Health Center on their 50th 
Anniversary. I have no doubt that they will continue their invaluable 
work for many more years to come.

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