[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1634-E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF LA CLINICA DE LA RAZA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2001

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, La Clinica de La Raza, one of the largest 
community-based healthcare facilities in the East Bay, will celebrate 
30 years of exemplary service to the residents of Alameda and Contra 
Costa Counties with an anniversary ceremony on September 13, 2001. 
Under the leadership of its CEO, Jane Garcia, La Clinica De La Raza's 
innovative community-based health clinic philosophy has earned the 
healthcare provider a national reputation.
  Community activists, healthcare professionals and volunteers 
established La Clinica in 1971. From its modest beginnings on Oakland's 
Fruitvale Avenue, La Clinica has evolved into a $22 million multiple-
service healthcare institution and is the sixth largest nonprofit 
employer in the East Bay.
  The founders of La Clinica believed that quality healthcare should be 
available to all people regardless of their ability to pay. They also 
believe healthcare resources should be close to the community, 
controlled by the consumers who use them and services should be 
sensitive and culturally appropriate. Staff and volunteers provide 
services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Tigrinya, 
Arabic and other languages.
  La Clinica's success has made it a model healthcare facility. It is 
considered by many to be one of the best community-based clinics in the 
country serving low-income neighborhoods. With a staff of more than 300 
individuals including 25 primary physicians, La Clinica de La Raza 
serves more than 13,000 families a year. Last year the clinic provided 
primary care visits to more than 100,000 East

[[Page E1635]]

Bay residents. It administers the largest prenatal and pediatric 
program of any community-based clinic in Alameda County and is the only 
licensed outpatient mental health clinic servicing the Spanish-speaking 
population of northern Alameda County.
  As community needs have grown, La Clinica has grown to meet them. La 
Clinica's comprehensive medical program now includes dental, eye and 
mental healthcare, as well as pharmacy and laboratory services, social 
services support, and a progressive program of health and nutritional 
education.
  More than three decades ago, out of concern about the lack of 
healthcare access to the poor, La Clinica was established as a 
community-based free healthcare facility. Since then, La Clinica has 
evolved as a major asset to Alameda County's healthcare system.
  Congratulations La Clinica on your success. I join your community of 
clients, friends and supporters in thanking you for providing exemplary 
healthcare services.

                          ____________________