Rep. Xavier Becerra Honored for Efforts to Improve Access to Health Care Services

Los Angeles Congressman Receives CHA Health Care Champion Award

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) is being honored for his continuing efforts to expand access and improve the quality and safety of patient care by the California Hospital Association (CHA).

Rep. Becerra is the recipient of CHA's Health Care Champion Award, presented to select elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership on behalf of California's hospitals and the patients they serve. The award was presented during a special ceremony hosted by Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles.

"Rep. Becerra has been a tireless champion of both patients and health care providers," said CHA President and CEO C. Duane Dauner.  "Starting with his years in the State Legislature and continuing today as a leading member of California's Congressional Delegation serving on the Ways and Means Committee and as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Rep. Becerra has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving access to safe, high-quality patient care throughout the state."  

"Rep. Becerra has been a key negotiator during the entire health care reform debate and was an outspoken leader in the effort to fight back attempts to shift as much as $3 billion away from California hospitals," Dauner added.  

In accepting the CHA award, Rep. Becerra said, "California leads the nation in so many ways, and our hospitals are no exception. You are on the front lines of the effort to deliver quality health care to all Americans, while serving a population as diverse as any in the world. It is an honor to accept this award, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the health care system for all our people."

As one of the largest health care trade associations in the nation, CHA represents more than 400 hospitals and health systems in California.  The association provides its members with public policy development, issues management and legislative advocacy services at the state and federal levels.  CHA has offices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) represents 160 hospitals which operate a total of 41,000 beds in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Our mission is to serve the political, economic, informational and educational needs of hospitals in our regions, and improve the quality and accessibility of health care services and thereby improving the health status of communities.

SOURCE Hospital Association of Southern California