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Floor Speech

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Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of South Florida's most prestigious healthcare institutions, Leon Medical Centers, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, and the Leon family, whose dedication and commitment to service have had a generational impact on families across our community.

For three decades, Leon Medical Centers has stood as a symbol of innovation and compassionate care. Founded on August 3, 1996, by Benjamin Leon, Jr., Leon Medical Centers was created with a powerful mission: to ensure that members of South Florida's growing community could receive high-quality healthcare with dignity and accessibility. What began as one medical center in Miami has grown into one of Florida's most distinguished healthcare organizations, now serving more than 40,000 patients throughout the region.

Mr. Speaker, the story of Leon Medical Centers is deeply rooted in the vision and perseverance of the Leon family. Benjamin Leon, Jr. arrived in the United States from Cuba in 1961 at just 16 years old, joining his father, Benjamin Leon, Sr., who had established Clinica Cuba to provide essential medical care to Miami's growing Cuban community. At a time when language barriers and an overwhelmed healthcare system created significant obstacles to care, Clinica Cuba became a lifeline for thousands of families seeking medical attention.

Together, Benjamin Leon, Sr. and Benjamin Leon, Jr. continued expanding access to healthcare, establishing Clinica Asociacion Cubana in 1970 and helping introduce managed care to Florida. In 1973, their efforts led to the organization receiving the first HMO license in the state of Florida, marking a historic advancement in healthcare delivery and setting the foundation for the future of Leon Medical Centers. In 1996, Benjamin Leon, Jr. opened the first Leon Medical Centers location at 27th Avenue and Southwest First street in Miami. Less than a year later, the organization expanded with a second location in Westchester, beginning a period of tremendous growth that would eventually lead to six regional facilities across Miami-Dade County.

Today, Leon Medical Centers represents the future of integrated healthcare. Its nearly one million square foot, state-of-the-art facility provides patients with access to advanced screening technology, comprehensive dental services, physical therapy, and numerous medical specialties, often within a single location. This innovative approach has made healthcare more convenient and accessible while reflecting

Benjamin Leon, Jr.'s belief that patients should receive care in an environment where they feel valued and treated like family.

Leon Medical Centers' impact extends far beyond the walls of its facilities. The organization has earned national recognition for its contributions to healthcare, receiving honors from organizations including the South Florida Business Journal, Health Affairs, Florida International University, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Leon remains the only managed care organization partnered with Florida International University to provide a specialized teaching curriculum focused on genetic care demonstrating its continued commitment to advancing medical education and innovation.

Beyond its philanthropic contributions, Leon Medical Centers has built strong partnerships with leading hospitals throughout Miami-Dade, including Kendall Regional and Hialeah Hospital, further expanding access to quality care and strengthening the healthcare network in our community. As Leon Medical Centers celebrates its 30th anniversary, we recognize the lasting impact of Benjamin Leon, Jr., the Leon family, and the thousands of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who carry forward this mission. Their work, commitment to service, and compassion represent the best of South Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate Leon Medical Centers on this important milestone and to commend everyone who has contributed to its historic legacy. From its humble beginnings servicing Miami's Cuban community to its role as a leader in modern healthcare, Leon Medical Centers remains a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication to service.

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