NACHC Statement - Passing of Ed Roybal

[Guest guest]

National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc.â

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amy

OCTOBER 27, 2005 (202) 296-1890

www.nachc.com <http://www.nachc.com/>

NACHC STATEMENT

Regarding the Passing of R. Roybal

Roybal was a towering figure who dedicated his entire life, including three decades in Congress, pursuing a moral vision of equality for all. He never forgot his own humble roots, and always fought for the rights of the most disenfranchised among us. That vision and determination not only laid the groundwork for the Migrant Health program but also invigorated it with increased funding and resources that he fought for throughout his career. He was among the first of a few brave leaders unafraid to teach a nation that affordable health care should be a right for all, and not a privilege for a few.

Though he was never a headline-seeker, Ed Roybal always stood firm and tall, and never more so than when the first wave of anti-immigrant politics roiled Washington. He stood his ground and refused to allow anti-immigration legislation to pass. Indeed, he was often the lone and leading champion on behalf of America's farmworker community and Latinos, because he understood that if one person's rights are denied an entire nation suffers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roybal family.

<<Roybal-Allard.doc>>

Ruiz

Assistant Director, Systems Development and Policy Administration

Migrant Health Coordinator

National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc.

7200 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 210

Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 347-0442

(301) 347-0459 FAX

(202) 365-0154 Cell Phone

jruiz@...

www.nachc.com

" Youth is the gift of nature but age is a work of art. "

- Garson Kanin

NOTICE: As a result of Hurricane Katrina, over 100 health center sites in LA, MS and AL have been totally destroyed, are closed due to damage, or damaged but still operating. The total estimated damage is $65 million. To date, $1.7 million has been contributed to the Hurricane Relief Fund for Health Centers. It's not too late to make a donation. Please visit us at www.nachc.com for more info or to make a contribution. Thank you!