[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 126 (Thursday, July 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SALUD PARA LA GENTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Salud Para La 
Gente and its healthcare staff for their contributions and efforts 
during the coronavirus pandemic.
  Salud Para La Gente (Salud) has provided accessible healthcare to the 
central coast of California since its founding in 1978. What started as 
a single clinic providing healthcare to farmworkers has grown to 10 
clinics on the Central Coast that serve a community of 28,000 people. 
During the pandemic, Salud proved their preparedness and capability by 
continuing to provide healthcare and services to the Central Coast.
  The Incident Command team provided access to healthcare and 
specialized COVID-19 care every day of the week within the respective 
communities of Watsonville, South Santa Cruz County, and North Monterey 
County. Its COVID-19 care is extensive and comprehensive, including 
testing and tracing for almost 23,000 people and the administration of 
47,000 COVID-19 vaccines through its 175 vaccine clinics. Salud ensures 
that it serves its community with its unwavering commitment to 
providing resources to every community member, regardless of background 
or financial status. Notably, it also offers the only infusion therapy 
clinic in Santa Cruz County to vulnerable and immunocompromised 
individuals infected with COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization.
  Salud's dedicated team and numerous partnerships with local 
organizations have provided comprehensive COVID-19 care throughout the 
pandemic. With its partnerships, Salud provided proper resources to our 
Central Coast communities, focusing on important patient and community 
messaging, and distributing over $5.5 million in financial support.
  Salud Para La Gente's prominence and importance in our community 
cannot be understated. In 2016, Salud became the only Medi-Cal Women's 
health provider in South County, and in 2017, was awarded Silver by the 
Central California Alliance for Health for its Healthcare Effectiveness 
Data and Information Set from Santa Cruz County.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the great contributions 
and efforts of the Salud Para La Gente team. I personally extended my 
gratitude to its dedicated essential workers who have made many 
sacrifices to protect our communities' health.

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