[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLINICA SIERRA VISTA

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate 
Clinica Sierra Vista, a comprehensive health care organization, for 40 
years of impeccable service to the people of Central California. For 
four decades, Clinica Sierra Vista has worked to provide all-inclusive, 
primary care to medically underserved populations, particularly migrant 
and seasonal farm workers.
  Located in California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, 
Clinica Sierra Vista's health centers have served the people of the 
Central Valley since 1971. The health care network includes 23 primary 
care community health centers (14 in Kern County, 8 in Fresno County, 
and 1 in Inyo County); six dental centers; one medical mobile clinic; 
one dental mobile clinic; six behavioral health centers; and three 
Family Resource Centers. Clinica Sierra Vista has come a long way since 
its modest beginnings in a storefront warehouse in rural Lamont, 
California. Today, Clinica Sierra Vista has more than 900 employees and 
is one of the largest non-profit health organizations in the nation.
  Clinica Sierra Vista has a reputation for providing high quality 
service, while efficiently managing costs. At Clinica Sierra Vista, no 
one is ever denied service based on their ability to pay and the 
patient's well-being is always Clinica Sierra Vista's goal. 
Accomplishing such a task requires innovative thinking and steadfast 
leadership. The board members, staff, and health care professionals who 
have contributed to Clinica Sierra Vista's success should be proud of 
their work, which is reflected in the health of the community.
  In addition to providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral 
health care to Central California's urban and rural communities, 
Clinica Sierra Vista also provides lifesaving health education and 
health promotion programs. These initiatives are instrumental in 
ensuring that the Valley's communities can have healthy and productive 
futures.
  Clinica Sierra Vista's board and staff recognize that obtaining a 
healthy community means working closely with external partners, 
including: government agencies, neighborhood groups, elected officials 
and community leaders. As one of the largest comprehensive community 
health centers in the state, Clinica Sierra Vista serves as many people 
as possible, while maintaining a clear and comprehensive understating 
of their patient's needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Clinica 
Sierra Vista as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The formation and 
success of Clinica Sierra Vista has been vital to ensuring that members 
of Central California's urban and rural communities have access to 
comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care. By 
maintaining a steadfast focus on the health and future of the San 
Joaquin Valley and California, Clinica Sierra Vista has been a leader 
in health care and an asset to the people of the California's Central 
Valley.

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