[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E713-E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE BI-NATIONAL HEALTH ALLIANCE OF NAPA COUNTY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor the Bi-National Health Alliance of Napa County's dedication 
to improving the health and well-being

[[Page E714]]

of our underserved Latino community. Bi-National Health Alliance of 
Napa County strives to improve the quality of life, promote positive 
physical and mental health, provide opportunities to access resources 
in a culturally sensitive environment, and encourage empowerment and 
growth.
  Ten years ago, Catalina Chavez-Tapia and Queen of the Valley Medical 
Center founded the Napa County Bi-National Health Week Task Force, 
which transitioned into a year-round effort: the Bi-National Health 
Alliance of Napa County. By increasing awareness of risk factors 
affecting health and providing information on available health services 
and resources, the Bi-National Health Alliance of Napa County brings 
together existing community resources to empower local Latinos to live 
healthier lifestyles.
  The Bi-National Health Alliance of Napa County also organizes a 
number of events to encourage the Latino community to become more 
engaged locally. This includes the Napa Valley Latina Women's 
Conference, which is held to empower Latina women to engage in their 
community through cultural, mental health, and educational workshops 
along with free health screenings, educational information, and follow-
up care. Since the conference's inception, over 1,120 professional and 
newly immigrated, low-income, and disenfranchised Latina women have 
attended and been provided a forum to identify and address the cultural 
barriers to the advancement of Latina women locally.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we recognize the Bi-
National Health Alliance of Napa County's dedication to the best ideals 
of public service as they host their 11th Annual Napa Valley Latina 
Women's Conference on May 14th, 2015. On behalf of a grateful 
community, we honor and thank the Bi-National Health Alliance of Napa 
County for their many years of service, and hope for many more.

                          ____________________