Statement By

The Honorable Cathy McMorris

Before

The House of Representatives

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Samuel L. Selinger for his unwavering dedication to provide affordable access to healthcare for those that need it the most in the Inland Northwest. After a long and prestigious career as a heart surgeon, Dr. Selinger retired and began to volunteer his time and services at a free health clinic where he experienced first hand the frustrations that are associated with caring for disadvantaged citizens. Being the selfless man that he is, he took it upon himself to find a better way to provide access to healthcare for these people.

The effort led by Dr. Selinger contributed immensely in developing a program in Spokane that could cater to the healthcare needs of the low-income population. As a result of his diligent work, in the fall of 2003, Dr. Selinger witnessed the creation of Spokane ’s own Project Access. Project Access is a national movement of volunteer physicians that organizes free medical care to individuals that have a low income. After starting more than 10 years ago in Buncombe County, North Carolina there are now over 50 Project Access programs across the country that serve the healthcare needs of people who would normally be unable to obtain such care.

In addition, Dr. Selinger has made it his responsibility to illustrate to the community’s medical professionals the struggles that low income people must face when trying to access quality healthcare. Dr. Selinger has made it a priority to help numerous physicians understand how they can be apart of the solution, by organizing and contributing their services to chartable medical programs for disadvantaged people.

Project Access continues to grow in the Spokane area. Because of its success, largely due to Dr. Selinger’s commitment, the Spokane County Medical Society has agreed to sponsor Project Access and help expand the network of physicians in the Inland Northwest. Not only has Dr. Selinger and his tireless work been recognized by Spokane County , but it has also been recognized by distinguished community members, physicians, and private businesses. The impact that Project Access has had on our community would not be at the level it is today if it were not for the leadership of Dr. Samuel L. Selinger.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Dr. Samuel L. Selinger for his exceptional service to the city of Spokane , and to thank him for the role he has played in providing free or low cost health care to the disadvantaged citizens of Spokane .

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05)