[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Leon Medical Centers

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2026

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of South 
Florida's most prestigious healthcare institutions, Leon Medical 
Centers, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, and the Leon family, 
whose dedication and commitment to service have had a generational 
impact on families across our community.
  For three decades, Leon Medical Centers has stood as a symbol of 
innovation and compassionate care. Founded on August 3, 1996, by 
Benjamin Leon, Jr., Leon Medical Centers was created with a powerful 
mission: to ensure that members of South Florida's growing community 
could receive high-quality healthcare with dignity and accessibility. 
What began as one medical center in Miami has grown into one of 
Florida's most distinguished healthcare organizations, now serving more 
than 40,000 patients throughout the region.
  Mr. Speaker, the story of Leon Medical Centers is deeply rooted in 
the vision and perseverance of the Leon family. Benjamin Leon, Jr. 
arrived in the United States from Cuba in 1961 at just 16 years old, 
joining his father, Benjamin Leon, Sr., who had established Clinica 
Cuba to provide essential medical care to Miami's growing Cuban 
community. At a time when language barriers and an overwhelmed 
healthcare system created significant obstacles to care, Clinica Cuba 
became a lifeline for thousands of families seeking medical attention.
  Together, Benjamin Leon, Sr. and Benjamin Leon, Jr. continued 
expanding access to healthcare, establishing Clinica Asociacion Cubana 
in 1970 and helping introduce managed care to Florida. In 1973, their 
efforts led to the organization receiving the first HMO license in the 
state of Florida, marking a historic advancement in healthcare delivery 
and setting the foundation for the future of Leon Medical Centers. In 
1996, Benjamin Leon, Jr. opened the first Leon Medical Centers location 
at 27th Avenue and Southwest First street in Miami. Less than a year 
later, the organization expanded with a second location in Westchester, 
beginning a period of tremendous growth that would eventually lead to 
six regional facilities across Miami-Dade County.
  Today, Leon Medical Centers represents the future of integrated 
healthcare. Its nearly one million square foot, state-of-the-art 
facility provides patients with access to advanced screening 
technology, comprehensive dental services, physical therapy, and 
numerous medical specialties, often within a single location. This 
innovative approach has made healthcare more convenient and accessible 
while reflecting
  Benjamin Leon, Jr.'s belief that patients should receive care in an 
environment where they feel valued and treated like family.
  Leon Medical Centers' impact extends far beyond the walls of its 
facilities. The organization has earned national recognition for its 
contributions to healthcare, receiving honors from organizations 
including the South Florida Business Journal, Health Affairs, Florida 
International University, and the Healthcare Information and Management 
Systems Society. Leon remains the only managed care organization 
partnered with Florida International University to provide a 
specialized teaching curriculum focused on genetic care demonstrating 
its continued commitment to advancing medical education and innovation.
  Beyond its philanthropic contributions, Leon Medical Centers has 
built strong partnerships with leading hospitals throughout Miami-Dade, 
including Kendall Regional and Hialeah Hospital, further expanding 
access to quality care and strengthening the healthcare network in our 
community. As Leon Medical Centers celebrates its 30th anniversary, we 
recognize the lasting impact of Benjamin Leon, Jr., the Leon family, 
and the thousands of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals 
who carry forward this mission. Their work, commitment to service, and 
compassion represent the best of South Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate Leon Medical Centers on this 
important milestone and to commend everyone who has contributed to its 
historic legacy. From its humble beginnings servicing Miami's Cuban 
community to its role as a leader in modern healthcare, Leon Medical 
Centers remains a testament to what can be achieved through 
perseverance and dedication to service.

                          ____________________