BAKERSFIELD, CA – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Brett Guthrie (KY-02) for a roundtable discussion with Central Valley healthcare stakeholders in Bakersfield.

 “From workforce shortages to telehealth to Valley Fever, we face unique obstacles here in the Central Valley that impact the health and well-being of our residents,” said Congressman Valadao. “It was helpful to hear directly from local healthcare professionals about some of the biggest challenges they face in providing care for our community. I’ll continue working alongside local partners to ensure Central Valley families have access to reliable, affordable healthcare options. Thank you to Chairman Guthrie for making the trip out to the Central Valley for this important conversation.”

“As Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee I am committed to ensuring Americans across our nation have access to the highest-quality, most affordable health care they need. This is especially important for Americans living in rural communities, which is why I have championed policies to maintain and expand access to telehealth services for our seniors. The Energy & Commerce Committee recently passed legislation extending current telehealth flexibilities and providing greater access to tele-behavioral health services for vulnerable seniors. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues in Washington, including Congressman Valadao, to ensure these policies become law before the end of the 118^th Congress.  I thank Congressman Valadeo for inviting me today for a frank conversation about the challenges facing our health care system,” said Health Chairman Brett Guthrie. 

“Our health care needs will continue to grow as the Central Valley grows. In partnership with our health care professionals, we are working to develop more health care career pathways as well as residency programs to train more doctors. We also are investing in telemedicine and rural health infrastructure to deliver care. Today’s roundtable with Congressman Valadao and Congressman Guthrie continues the collaboration of our region to better the lives of everyone in the Central Valley,” said Congressman Fong.

Attendees included representatives from Hall Ambulance Services, Centric Health California, Adventist Health, California Rural Indian Health Board, Sierra View Medical Center, Anthem Blue Cross, Kern County Public Health, Valley Children’s Healthcare, Kern Health Systems, Clinica Sierra Vista, Psychiatric Wellness, North Kern South Tulare Hospital District, Valley Fever Institute, Kern County Hospital Authority, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health.

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