[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 65 (Thursday, May 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SANTA ROSA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

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                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Santa Rosa Community 
Health Centers and recognize their contribution to health care in 
Sonoma County, California. They are celebrating their 15th year of 
leadership and collaboration in building a healthy community.
  In 1996, five physicians and one nurse practitioner made it their 
mission to bring high quality health care to the Roseland area of Santa 
Rosa, where the predominantly Latino community had no access to medical 
care. These providers worked tirelessly for 4 years until their first 
clinic opened with the help of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Santa Rosa 
Memorial Hospital. Southwest Community Health Center opened its doors 
on March 19th, St. Joseph's day, and was warmly welcomed to the 
community.
  Under the guidance of CEO Naomi Fuchs, the original clinic at 
Lombardi Court expanded its hours and its facility. Ms. Fuchs also 
responded to the needs of several other important community programs 
that were facing budget restraints that threatened closure. The Elsie 
Allen Health Center, Turning Point Satellite Clinic, Southwest Adult 
Day Services and the Family Practice Residency Program were all brought 
under the Southwest umbrella as well as the Homeless Clinic, Roseland 
Children's Health Center and HIV/AIDS care. As their service area 
expanded well beyond the southwest corner of the city, they assumed a 
name that better represents them: Santa Rosa Community Health Centers.
  In order to better serve their patients, 2011 saw the opening of the 
Vista Family Health Center, a 42,500 square foot facility that provides 
primary care and obstetrics to an additional 10,000 residents. This 
beautiful new health center reminds patients, many of whom are low 
income, that a medical home with a caring medical team is a right 
rather than a privilege.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we congratulate 
Santa Rosa Community Health Centers on 15 years of ensuring that 
everyone who enters their doors is heard, valued and honored.

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