[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1216-E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK, 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize 
National Health Center Week, celebrating the more than 1,200 health 
centers providing vital health care for 22 million individuals at more 
than 9,000 locations across the country. During the week of August 11-
17th, celebrations of National Health Center Week will be taking place 
at West County Health Centers and Petaluma Health Center in my 
Congressional district.
  America's community health centers are the core of our health care 
system and the nation's social safety net, delivering high quality, 
cost-effective, and accessible primary and preventative care to 
individuals regardless of their ability to pay. Health centers are 
located in medically underserved areas and controlled locally by 
patient-majority boards, making each health center responsive to the 
needs of the individual community it serves.
  From the Marin Community Clinic to Crescent City Health Care Center, 
California's Second Congressional District, which I am honored to 
represent, is served by a network of vibrant community health centers 
offering patient-focused, coordinated healthcare that families and 
individuals need.
  National Health Center Week offers us the opportunity to recognize 
all those responsible for the continued success and growth of community 
health centers nationwide. Since this program's inception 50 years ago, 
health centers have served those in need with comprehensive, high 
quality, cost effective, and accessible health care, and I am grateful 
for their role in the North Coast community.

[[Page E1217]]

  My staff and I look forward to participating in community 
celebrations of National Health Center Week, and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in marking the occasion and sending America's health centers 
our best wishes for another successful 50 years.

                          ____________________