[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E392-E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTRAL VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
rise today in recognition of the Central Valley Health Network as they 
celebrate their tenth anniversary. Comprised of 13 private, non-profit 
community health center systems, the Central Valley Health Network 
currently operates 116 clinic sites throughout 20 counties in 
California, providing high quality health care to those most in need.

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  In the 10 years since its inception, the Central Valley Health 
Network has provided families throughout the region with health care 
that is cost-effective, accessible, comprehensive, coordinated, 
compassionate, and culturally competent. Serving more than 530,000 
patients, the Central Valley Health Network facilitates 2.1 million 
patient visits annually, providing care for low-income individuals, of 
which 75 percent are at or below the Federal poverty level, 50 percent 
of whom are enrolled in Medi-Cal, and 35 percent who are uninsured. 
Combined, it is the chief health care system for low-income families 
throughout the Central Valley, and in many communities the Central 
Valley Health Network's clinics are the only primary health care option 
available.
  The Central Valley of California consistently experiences far greater 
physician shortages and dramatically increased rates of chronic 
diseases than other regions in the State. To address these imbalances, 
the Central Valley Health Network's mission is to support their member 
community health center systems in the effective delivery of high 
quality accessible health care with a special focus on advocacy for 
attaining optimal health for the medically underserved. Furthermore, 
the Central Valley Health Network's presence in the region has made a 
significant impact in local economies, generating over $200 million in 
Federal funds and creating over 2,000 jobs.
  The Central Valley Health Network contributes greatly to the 
improvement of the overall quality of life for families throughout the 
Central Valley of California. Madame Speaker, I respectfully ask my 
colleagues to rise and join me in thanking everyone involved with the 
Central Valley Health Network for the work they do each and every day 
to provide the people and families of our communities with essential 
health care services. There is no more important or rewarding work than 
helping a fellow citizen in need, and through their dedicated and 
compassionate efforts, thousands of lives have been touched. We all owe 
them a great debt of gratitude, and I am proud to represent their 
efforts in Congress.

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