[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER-LEXINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2024

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Federal Medical 
Center, located in Lexington, Kentucky. David Paul serves as Warden and 
Keith Blanke is Associate Warden. They lead a large staff of dedicated 
individuals.
  In 1935, the United States Narcotic Farm facility opened in the 
countryside outside of Lexington. Known as Narco, this facility's 
mission was to treat people struggling with addiction, using new and 
often experimental treatments. It was a combination prison and hospital 
with a research facility. Inmates worked on the farm that was located 
on the grounds. They also interacted with each other through playing 
music, taking painting classes, and participating in social activities. 
When it first opened, only men who were arrested for drug-related 
offenses were housed there; women were admitted in 1941.
  In 1967, the farm portion of the operation closed, and the name of 
the facility was changed to the National Institute of Mental Health, 
Clinical Research Center. In 1974, the facility became a Federal prison 
and was named The Federal Medical Center, Lexington. Today, The Federal 
Medical Center, Lexington celebrates 50 years of service. The Center, 
operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, serves around 1500 inmates, 
who each require medical health care.
  The Federal Medical Center serves an important role in our Nation's 
Department of Justice. I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation 
to each person employed by the Federal Medical Center.

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