[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MINNESOTA COMMUNITY CARE

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2019

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Minnesota Community 
Care's 50th anniversary. With 18 locations in Saint Paul that serve 
more than 37,000 patients each year, Minnesota Community Care is the 
largest federally qualified community health center in Minnesota and a 
leader in innovative, compassionate, community-based care for patients 
where they live, work and go to school.
  Since 1969, Minnesota Community Care has been serving the health care 
needs of its patients across Saint Paul in a culturally appropriate 
way. In 1972, the nonprofit organization was incorporated as West Side 
Health Center, delivering care to 1900 patients from a clinic in the 
Neighborhood House community center in the heart of the neighborhood.
  A foundational part of Minnesota Community Care's mission is 
providing care to our most vulnerable populations, including young 
people, homeless and uninsured families, and others in need. Its Health 
Care for the Homeless program began in 1987. In 1992, in collaboration 
with Ramsey County, it started its HouseCalls homeless prevention 
program. A year later, working with the St. Paul Public Housing Agency, 
it established McDonough Homes Clinic--a primary care clinic for public 
housing residents in the North End neighborhood.
  Minnesota Community Care is a leader in providing affordable dental 
care, understanding its impact on overall health. In 1978, it started 
providing dental services and in 2001, West Side Dental Clinic was 
established. In 2013, with the help from a major Affordable Care Act 
grant, it expanded its dental care to reach more patients when it 
opened its new East Side Family Clinic.
  As communities across our state have worked to improve educational 
achievement, Minnesota Community Care is working to keep students 
healthy and in school learning by caring for student patients where 
they are. Through its 10 school-based clinics, youth can access 
critical medical, mental health, and nutrition services and learn to be 
advocates for their health. These school-based clinics are a model for 
improving health and education outcomes at the same time.
  Madam Speaker, it was a pleasure to host you during your visit to 
Saint Paul in May as we met with leaders from Minnesota Community Care 
and other community health centers. Working to strengthen our community 
health centers is one of the most effective ways to increase access to 
affordable health care across our community. Please join me in honoring 
the 50th anniversary of Minnesota Community Care's dedication to 
providing quality and affordable health care for all.

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