Recognizing Executive Director Jose Camacho
Floor Speech
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Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of Mr. Jose Camacho, who has retired after serving 37 years as the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC).
Armed with his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate, Mr. Camacho earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 1973 and worked in private practice until 1979 when he became the Director of the Farmworker Policy Impact Project at Texas Rural Legal Aid in Austin. In 1982 Mr. Camacho became the General Counsel for the National Migrant Referral Project and in 1983, he began his career with TACHC as General Counsel where he assisted in the development of the organization. Mr. Camacho became the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Community Health Centers in 1984 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Camacho's career was devoted to the development of grassroot, community- controlled organizations in low-income communities whose purpose is to provide comprehensive health care services to medically indigent residents. Mr. Camacho's north star has been the Federally Qualified Health Care Program which affords low income communities the opportunity to mobilize residents around the need for culturally appropriate health care services and develop a system of health care that is responsive to local residents.
TACHC is the federally designated primary care association for the state and is the link between federal, state, and local entities providing health care for Texas' most vulnerable populations. TACHC started with a membership of seven (7) community clinics in 1983 serving approximately 7,500 patients annually. While the organization had a humble beginning, Mr. Camacho's forward-thinking and leadership helped grow it into the reliable and successful organization that exists today. During Mr. Camacho's tenure, TACHC exceeded expectations and extended service to over 100 organizations within Texas. As the largest network of primary care clinics in Texas, TACHC-member clinics have over 550 delivery sites, throughout Texas providing health care to over 1.6 million patients annually; approximately 80 percent are patients with incomes below poverty. Heavily involved with the Texas State Legislature, the United States Congress, local community action groups and the American Health Lawyers Association, he initiated numerous legislative proposals which improved how health services were provided in Texas. Additionally, he initiated cost-saving contracts which helped save money for community health centers and allowed them to increase and expand valuable services to patients.
Health centers serve communities suffering from shortages of primary medical, dental, or mental health providers. Their mission is to serve low-income and uninsured individuals who lack access to quality and affordable healthcare. With Texas continuously leading the nation in the number of uninsured, now estimated to be well over 5 million in 2019, Mr. Camacho made it his mission to advocate to the state and federal government to strengthen and preserve the health care safety net and assisted in the development of health centers in medically underserved communities. He negotiated and reviewed legal documents, conducted policy analysis, and drafted legislative proposals on behalf of TACHC and the community health centers the association serves. In additional to his role of General Counsel to TACHC's Board of Directors and members, Mr. Camacho provided steadfast support directly to Texas Health Centers, keeping them informed, designing and implementing training programs related to regulatory requirements, legislative changes, industry trends and available opportunities--all with the focus on expanding access to care and enhancing both the quality and scope of services provided to vulnerable populations across Texas.
Needless to say, Mr. Camacho has had a tremendous impact on health services in Texas, and his work will not be forgotten. His commitment to and vision for TACHC laid the foundation for its future success and set an example for community health centers throughout Texas. He cares deeply about the people he served and consistently showed what it meant to be a good leader. He guided--he motivated--he inspired. The dedication that he exhibited should be a constant reminder of how we should live our daily lives. This recognition is to commemorate Mr. Camacho for his loyalty and devotion to others, and for ensuring the best quality of health care for all Texans, especially those with limited resources.
As we move forward, let us take the time to also appreciate the service of heroes among our community like Mr. Camacho--all those individuals who spend their lives committed to service and ensuring health and safety of others. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' And so, we take time today to express our gratitude for Mr. Camacho's work. His impact on the health status of Texans has been incredible. The example he set in his career serves as the model of commitment and dedicated service that many of his former colleagues now live by. We are so grateful for Mr. Camacho and his life's work. His legacy of service to the less fortunate is truly remarkable.
Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the career and service of Jose Camacho.
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