[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 133 (Friday, August 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1138-E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE SAMUEL U. RODGERS HEALTH CENTER'S 50TH YEAR OF 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 10, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize and 
celebrate 50 years of service from the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. 
This milestone embodies the vision Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers had for a 
foundation that would provide families with affordable health care. 
With over four decades of service Dr. Rogers' health center has been 
responsible for providing cost effective and quality health care to 
thousands of families in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.
  Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers' passion for serving low income families can be 
traced back to his early days in Kansas City when he first arrived as 
an intern for a then-segregated general hospital. During this time Dr. 
Rodgers witnessed firsthand the challenges minority and low-income 
families faced while trying to access quality and affordable health 
care. This experience would inspire him to go on to become the first 
African American OBGYN in Kansas City, and then later, the first 
African American to open a successful all-black medical practice. Dr. 
Rodgers' commitment to ensuring that all people, regardless of their 
ethnicity or economic background, receive affordable health care would 
later inspire him to open Missouri's first federally-recognized health 
center, the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center.
  When Dr. Rodgers opened his health center, he did so with the intent 
to serve both individuals and families who otherwise would not be able 
to afford quality healthcare. Moreover, Dr. Rodgers emphasized the need 
to also provide patients access to resources that help maintain their 
long-term health.
  Today, there are five Samuel U. Rodgers Health Centers located 
throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Each one continues Dr. 
Rodgers' legacy of compassion and equitable health care for all. The 
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Centers offer a variety of services that range 
from dental care to behavioral health

[[Page E1139]]

services. As fundamental pillars of the community, these health centers 
strengthen and contribute to the prosperity of my district and I have 
no doubt that Dr. Rodgers would be proud to see the sustained success 
of his vision.
  Healthcare is one of the most critical factors a community needs to 
prosper. The Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center is truly a blueprint when 
it comes to demonstrating the power of arming communities with the 
access and resources necessary to maintain their health.
  It is a privilege to stand today and recognize the half-century of 
service of the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me in thanking and honoring the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center 
for selflessly serving families across the Greater Kansas City area for 
50 years.

                          ____________________