In Recognition of the 10th Anniversary of Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc.

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF MENDOCINO COAST CLINICS, INC -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 23, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. as it celebrates its 10th anniversary of service to the community.

On July 1, 1994, direct medical services were transferred to Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. from the Mendocino County Public Health Department, so they could shift their focus from patient care to public health issues.

Over the past 10 years, Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. has grown substantially in response to community needs. In 1994, 9 employees provided 6,507 medical services to 2,546 patients. In 2004, 60 employees will provide a projected 27,300 medical consultations to 4,600 patients. A total of 169,612 patient encounters have been provided over the last 10 years and now include dental care, behavioral health, telemedicine and specialty medical services.

In 2003 Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. built a new facility to accommodate its expansion of services, including its bilingual and culturally appropriate care to residents. The need for comprehensive health services in this rural coastal area was acknowledged when the Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. received a New Start Community Health Center Program Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services in 2003.

Mr. Speaker, Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. has diligently provided health care services to this community with respect and dignity, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. It is therefore appropriate to honor Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc. on its 10th anniversary and commend it for its success.