[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 141 (Friday, August 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JOSEPHINE GUTIERREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 7, 2020

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Josephine 
Gutierrez for her 25 years of service to Natividad Hospital and to 
congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. Through her dedication 
and selfless service, Ms. Gutierrez has made an immeasurable impact on 
the hospital and our communities on the central coast of California.
  Ms. Gutierrez began her career in 1995 in the Managed Care Department 
working at the Medically Indigent Program (M.I.A) as a Patient Account 
Representative I. She worked diligently, adjudicating claims, answering 
phones, and completing tasks as assigned. On weekends and evenings, she 
went door-to-door, visited farmworkers in the fields, and attended 
events to educate the community about available healthcare programs. 
With her passion and ability to help others, she was soon promoted to a 
Health Education Assistant where she began her work developing 
Outreach, Enrollment, Retention and Utilization initiatives that 
continue to this day at Natividad Hospital.
  Throughout her 25 years of service, Ms. Gutierrez has collaborated 
with community agencies such as Head Start, Migrant Education, American 
Red Cross, United Farm Worker's Foundation, and local schools to 
successfully identify and enroll families and children into affordable-
low-cost healthcare programs. She also participated in community health 
fairs and events throughout the Salinas Valley and-organized monthly 
forums for the Monterey County Immigrant Services Network of 
Empowerment of Monterey County (CISNE) that helps immigrant communities 
access information and services.
  Ms. Gutierrez's devotion to her work has resulted in many 
accomplishments, including being selected as Employee of the Quarter 
twice. However, one achievement she is most proud of is enrolling 
thousands of children and families into affordable health programs, 
giving them access to quality healthcare and preventative services. 
This work has resulted in a healthier and more equitable community and 
will undoubtably impact the lives and health of generations to come.
  Madam Speaker, please join me thanking Ms. Josephine Gutierrez for a 
lifetime of service to our communities on the Central Coast. I have no 
doubt that she will continue to find ways to positively impact the 
lives of those around her in retirement.

                          ____________________