[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 102 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MELINDA M. MENDELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Melinda M. Mendelson for her dedication to serving the community of 
Napa County.
  In 2006, Ms. Mendelson organized the Napa County community to address 
the lack of access to affordable health insurance and healthcare for 
children. Her enthusiasm for healthcare accessibility led to the 
establishment of the Community Health Initiative, formerly known as the 
Children's Health Initiative, which is a coordinated outreach and 
retention effort designated to improve families' participation in 
health coverage programs. Eighteen years and 28,000 Californians later. 
Community Health Initiative continues to navigate affordable health 
insurance and benefits in Napa, Solano, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles 
Counties.
  Ms. Mendelson's advocacy goes beyond healthcare through her support 
for educational development. She worked for ten years as the Director 
of Development for private and public universities. Notably, the 
application of Ms. Mendelson's expertise led to a twenty percent 
increase in contributions for the University of California, Berkeley 
School of Law. Ms. Mendelson was also a member of the English Center 
for International Women at Mills College in Oakland, CA. In addition to 
these persistent advocacy involvements, Ms. Mendelson further 
participated in the Napa community through the Napa Valley Vintners 
Auction, Napa Valley Art Council, and Napa Valley Opera House.
  In 2014, Ms. Mendelson formally retired. However, Ms. Mendelson 
continues to display her commitment to public service and the local 
community through advocacy and support.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Melinda M. Mendelson has 
contributed to the Napa Valley community and beyond.

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