Political Quotes

“Mr. President, 30 years ago, Caribou, ME, served as the proving ground upon which America has built a nationwide system of community-based outpatient clinics that delivers much improved access to medical services for America's rural veterans. The anniversary celebration on September 7 recognizes the determined commitment of Cary Medical Center, the Department of Veterans Affairs, local veterans, and an entire community that transformed healthcare for the men and women who defend our Nation and our freedom. Our Nation's first CBOC held its formal opening in Caribou, my hometown, on June 13, 1987. The impact was immediate--no longer would the veterans of Aroostook County have to endure an up-to 10-hour round trip to the nearest VA hospital for medical exams or to meet with a VA physician. Today the Caribou CBOC treats a veteran population of 3,500 men and women who served our country, with more than 9,000 care visits annually. The pioneering work done in Caribou led to benefits for America's 3.5 million rural veterans who now receive care closer to home at more than 950 CBOCs throughout the country. The story of the great advancement in healthcare began 8 years before that formal opening, when seven Aroostook County veterans devoted themselves to the mission of improving access to critical healthcare services in this region.…”