[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JOSE LUNA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2011

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
medical professional in my congressional district, who has dedicated 
his life and profession to helping those who are most in need. Dr. Jose 
Luna serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Centro San Vicente and is 
currently the chairman of the El Paso County Hospital District Board of 
Managers. He is a tireless advocate for those who do not have access to 
affordable health care, and has committed himself to improving the 
lives and health of residents along the U.S.-Mexico border. In honor of 
his work, the El Paso Diabetes Association is recognizing Dr. Luna at 
their 3rd annual HOPE Ball as an individual who has been an invaluable 
partner in the fight against diabetes.
  The statistics regarding diabetes are staggering. Diabetes is an 
epidemic affecting nearly 24 million Americans and another 57 million 
with pre-diabetes. Every 24 hours, 4,100 people in the U.S. are 
diagnosed with diabetes. In El Paso, as many as one in six people are 
currently living with diabetes, and many more are unaware that their 
lifestyle choices are putting them at risk or have already made them 
pre-diabetic.
  It is important that we all understand how diabetes affects us, our 
families, and our community. Since 1968, the El Paso Diabetes 
Association has been an invaluable asset to my congressional district 
by providing personalized services including diabetes management and 
prevention. The organization's mission is to promote education and 
early detection, empower people to take control of their health, and 
increase access to resources, and Dr. Luna, this year's HOPE recipient 
is dedicated to those goals.
  Dr. Jose Luna has been involved with the El Paso Diabetes Association 
for over 8 years, and has made a significant impact, especially with 
the uninsured and medically underserved. His service to the 
organization and our community is having a positive impact on the lives 
of El Pasoans and is helping stem this growing epidemic. Dr. Luna is 
most deserving of this honor, and I applaud his work and dedication to 
make El Paso a better and healthier place.
  Today, I am proud to recognize Dr. Luna and everyone at the El Paso 
Diabetes Association, and I greatly appreciate their hard work for the 
betterment of our community.

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