[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 146 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E758-E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK

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                            HON. JOE NEGUSE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 14, 2020

  Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, our nation is fighting multiple crises at 
once: the risks of COVID-19 on our health and the health of our friends 
and neighbors, the dire economic impacts of communities halted to keep 
us each safe, and the surge of racial justice movements across the 
United States and the world. During these times of difficulty and 
change, I find myself turning to the institutions in our communities 
that have always worked to address each of these crises, individually 
and as a whole--Community Health Centers.
  This week we honor the work of Community Health Centers during 
National Health Center Week. As we contemplate a path forward of 
safety, health, prosperity, and equity in our country, our 
conversations must begin and end with the CHCs that have been stalwart 
providers of accessible healthcare for every individual who needed it.
  Each and every day, CHCs provide care for some of our nation's most 
vulnerable folks. In 2018 in Colorado, CHCs served over 200,000 
children, nearly 32,000 individuals without homes, and over 9,500 
veterans. Overall, they served nearly 650,000 patients in my state who 
might have otherwise been unable to access or afford health care.
  CHCs provide irreplaceable healthcare services, but they are also 
economic drivers during this time of unprecedented financial hardship: 
For every $1 in federal investments, CHCs generated $5.85 in economic 
activity across Colorado. In total, health centers in Colorado deliver 
$1.38 billion in economic activity, economic benefits the likes of 
which can be found in states across the U.S.
  And as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, CHCs have risen to the 
challenge, innovating constantly to keep providing excellent care to 
their patients and communities.
  I have no doubt that we can and we will overcome the struggles 
presented to us as Coloradans, and as Americans. To do this, it will 
take robust support for the tried and true systems of healthcare that 
efficiently, yet humbly serve our communities every day. That is why 
I'm so proud to recognize the work of Community Health Centers in my 
home state and across the United States this week and every week.
  I thank the doctors, nurses, dentists, behavioral health specialists, 
and the countless other workers who ensure the success of CHCs and the 
health and wellbeing of our communities.

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