[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF SOLANO COALITION FOR BETTER HEALTH 
                   EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PATRICK HUGHES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2008

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise with the support of my 
colleague, Hon. George Miller, in the House of Representatives, to 
recognize Patrick S. Hughes, Ed.D, who has faithfully served the 
residents of Solano County since 1990.
  Mr. Hughes has dedicated over 18 years to the community. After 
serving as assistant to the city manager for the city of Vacaville, Mr. 
Hughes shifted his focus to the community health arena where his 
innovation and accomplishments have made him a leader in his field.
  During his tenure with the Solano Coalition for Better Health, SCBH, 
Mr. Hughes has implemented initiatives and strategies that promote 
access to health care, have improved population health, continue to 
support policy advancement, and increase community organization.
  As a result of his work and dedication, great strides have been made 
in eradicating disparities in health care throughout the community, 
especially in our youth population.
  Mr. Hughes designed and facilitated a comprehensive strategy to 
enroll children in appropriate health care coverage that is currently 
experiencing record success. In conjunction with successful fundraising 
efforts, this helped lead Solano County to the coveted distinction as 
one of the ``100 Best Communities for Young People,'' as recognized by 
the America's Promise Alliance, for 2 consecutive years.
  Building on his achievements in children's health awareness, Mr. 
Hughes has also made a commitment to decreasing the disparities in 
health care within minority communities in Solano County. Under his 
leadership, a major initiative is underway aimed at eliminating the 
disparities in health status that impact the African-American residents 
of Solano County. Attention to these disparities received a 
concentrated focus with the successful celebration, ``Champions for 
African-Americans,'' sponsored by the SCBH.
  Taking his vision and dedication to the national stage, Mr. Hughes 
recently completed a 2-year term as president of Communities Joined in 
Action, a national organization supporting community efforts to 
increase access to health care.
  Mr. Patrick Hughes's many accomplishments have immeasurably improved 
Solano County and enriched the life of its residents. Mr. Miller and I 
thank him for his years of public service and wish him success and 
happiness in his future endeavors.




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