[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 24 (Monday, February 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING MS. CARMEN MARTINEZ, OUTSTANDING CITIZEN IN THE 51ST 
                         CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 2023

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Carmen Martinez, 
outstanding healthcare advocate and community member in the 51st 
Congressional District.
  Ms. Martinez is being honored for her long-time commitment to 
supporting healthcare and public health access. She was one of seven 
founding ``Mothers'' of San Ysidro Health, founded by residents in 
search of medical services for their children.
  Ms. Martinez originally established ``el Club de las Madres,'' and in 
1969 opened the ``casita,'' the Centro de Salud de la Comunidad, which 
was a small house with only 2 rooms and 4 dedicated volunteers. San 
Ysidro Health, one of San Diego's largest non-profit community health 
providers, has grown to having a $50 million budget, 650 employees and 
24 medical, dental, counseling and other services. San Ysidro Health 
has provided care for more than 110,000 patients and has more than 50 
clinic and program sites, serving patients who have no insurance and 
receive Medi-Cal or Medicare.
  For her dedication, Mother Carmen Martinez was awarded with 
Southwestern College's honorary degree. She has been honored in the 
community for her strength, wisdom, perseverance, courage and love for 
its people.
  Ms. Martinez is being honored as the 51st District Constituent of the 
Month in September 2022, during Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as, 
during the month she turns 99 years of age. She is recognized for her 
work in paving the way to provide greater access and affordable 
healthcare services for all constituents, and she also continues to 
inspire the next generation of supporters of healthcare access.

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