Proclamation
WHEREAS, for nearly 60 years, Community Health Centers have provided high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary and preventive health care in medically underserved communities throughout the United States—improving health outcomes and strengthening local systems of care; and WHEREAS, Community Health Centers now serve more than 32.5 million people at over 16,000 locations across the country, providing care to individuals and families from all walks of life, regardless of background, income, or insurance status; and WHEREAS, Golden Valley Health Centers, established in 1972, has served as a trusted provider in California’s Central Valley for over five decades. Today, it operates 62 clinics across Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties, delivering more than 712,000 visits to over 162,000 patients annually; and WHEREAS, Golden Valley Health Centers employs 1,403 professionals dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered services, including primary care, dental, behavioral health, optometry, and pharmacy, while addressing the social and economic factors that impact health; and WHEREAS, Golden Valley Health Centers plays a vital role in promoting community health, advancing equity, and reaching underserved populations such as agricultural workers, low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused; and WHEREAS, National Health Center Week (August 3–9, 2025) offers a time to recognize the longstanding, nonpartisan mission of Community Health Centers to provide accessible care and to honor the patients, staff, volunteers, and board members who make this work possible; and WHEREAS, During National Health Center Week, we celebrate the legacy of America’s Community Health Centers and their vital role in shaping the past, present, and future of America’s health care system; and WHEREAS, the City of Merced commends Golden Valley Health Centers for its continued service and commitment to the health and well-being of our resident; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matthew Serratto, Mayor of the City of Merced, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of August 3–9, 2025, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all residents to learn about and support the essential services provided by Golden Valley Health Centers and other Community Health Centers in our community.
Signed this 4th day of August 2025.
Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced