[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23444]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO URBAN HEALTH PLAN, INC. ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge one of the 
largest employers in my district, Urban Health Plan, Inc., as they 
celebrate their 30th anniversary. UHP has worked for three decades now 
to make health care more accessible to residents of the South Bronx.
  Urban Health Plan began as the vision of Dr. Richard Izquierdo, who, 
as a private practitioner in the South Bronx, saw the lack of primary 
health services that the community provided to its residents. He 
decided to form a community health center, and in 1968, the San Juan 
Health Center was born.
  Urban Health Plan was created out of the San Juan Health Center to 
offer expanded services and increase outreach into the local community. 
It has done just that, by providing affordable, reliable care to 
residents of the South Bronx. UHP offers significant primary and 
specialty care, in addition to numerous outreach and education 
programs. Because many area residents do not speak English as a first 
language, most of the staff is bi-lingual. Today, Urban Health Plan, 
Inc. has expanded to include three health centers, six local school 
locations, homeless shelters, and adult treatment programs under the 
leadership of President and CEO Paloma Hernandez.
  Mr. Speaker, in an area where hospital services and preventative 
medicine are sorely needed, Urban Health Plan, Inc. fills an important 
need for residents of my district. They have helped thousands of Bronx 
residents address their health care needs without mortgaging their 
futures. I am glad to count organizations such as Urban Health Plan, 
Inc. as allies in the effort to improve the neighborhoods and 
communities of the Bronx, and I salute Urban Health Plan, Inc. for 
their dedication to the residents of the South Bronx.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Urban Health 
Plan, Inc. on their 30th anniversary, and on wishing them continued 
success in the years to come.

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