[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E717-E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH CENTERS AND CELEBRATING NATIONAL 
                           HEALTH CENTER WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ADAM GRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2025

  Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Golden Valley Health 
Centers as we celebrate National Health Center Week.

[[Page E718]]

  Community Health Centers have delivered high-quality, affordable, and 
inclusive primary and preventive health care to underserved communities 
across the United States for nearly 60 years--strengthening health 
outcomes, building healthier communities, and reducing the cost of 
care.
  Today, more than 32.5 million patients--regardless of income, 
background, or insurance status--receive care at over 16,000 Community 
Health Center sites across the Nation, making these centers vital 
pillars of local health infrastructure.
  Golden Valley Health Centers, founded in 1972, is a trusted safety-
net provider serving California's Central Valley, with 62 sites across 
Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties, including several within 
California's 13th Congressional District. They deliver more than 
712,000 patient visits annually to over 162,000 individuals, including 
agricultural workers, low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused-
offering services in primary care, dental, behavioral health, 
optometry, and pharmacy.
  GVHC employs over 1,400 dedicated professionals who embody the 
mission of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while 
addressing the social drivers of health and advancing equity in care 
access. In response to the Central Valley's growing mental health 
needs, they are actively expanding their behavioral health team, aiming 
to double capacity in 2025--ensuring local families have timely access 
to critical services.
  Community Health Centers like Golden Valley Health Centers fuel 
regional economies by providing stable jobs, local career 
opportunities, and community investment, particularly in rural and 
underserved areas.
  National Health Center Week provides a time to recognize the vital, 
bipartisan contributions of Community Health Centers and to celebrate 
the patients, staff, volunteers, and board members who make this work 
possible.
  We honor the 1,500 Community Health Center organizations across 
America--including Golden Valley Health Centers--for their nearly 60 
years of resilience, innovation, and service in transforming health 
care delivery and access.

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