[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HEALTH CENTERS RENEWAL ACT OF 2006

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                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 5573, the Health 
Centers Renewal Act of 2006.
  Federal community health centers provide health care services to poor 
and under-served communities across the country. They serve the 
uninsured, the homeless, rural residents, farm workers, and others who 
have no other access to care. These centers make health care accessible 
and affordable through outreach programs, education initiatives, and 
translation services, and many people rely on these centers for their 
primary care.
  There are over 1,000 federal community health centers across the 
United States, and we are fortunate in my congressional district of El 
Paso, TX, to have three excellent health centers.
  Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe has been serving clients in the El 
Paso area since 1967. The organization currently operates eight 
clinics, including a new Child and Adolescent Wellness Center and an 
HIV/AIDS clinic. La Fe also employs over 300 El Pasoans.
  Project Vida is a multi-service agency in El Paso that has a long 
record of delivering quality services to those in need. The 
organization operates three health care clinics in our community.
  Finally, Centro San Vicente provides a comprehensive range of health 
care services, including primary care, dental care, and behavior health 
services, to El Pasoans.
  Mr. Speaker, in my congressional district and across America, 
community health centers are essential to keeping our constituents 
healthy and our communities strong. H.R. 5573 will assist them in their 
important efforts, and I ask all of my colleagues to support the bill.

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