Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) has extended an invitation to Dr. Felix M. Valbuena, Jr. to appear as her guest for the President’s February 4^th State of the Union address.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) has extended an invitation to Dr. Felix M. Valbuena, Jr., CEO of the Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center in Detroit to appear as her guest for the President’s February 4^th State of the Union address.

Dr. Valbuena is a bilingual/bicultural physician whose specialty is Family Medicine. He prides himself in being committed to providing culturally proficient health care with an ability to communicate to patients in their native language.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Lawrence for highlighting the importance of community health centers and thank her for her leadership as a member of the Appropriations Committee, said Dr. Valbuena. 

“She’s been instrumental in advocating in the House to pass our reauthorization in order to allow us to continue providing quality care in communities across the country especially in those communities ravaged by the opioid crisis, maternal mortality, and increasing the number of veterans we care for in their hometowns.”

Dr. Valbuena serves as Clinician Representative on the Board of Directors of the National Community Health Centers. Dr. Valbuena is also contracted academic faculty in the Department of Family Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá, Colombia.

“I am extremely honored to have Dr. Valbuena as my guest at this year’s State of the Union address,” said Congresswoman Lawrence. “He is a dedicated physician who takes pride in providing medical services to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it,” added Congresswoman Lawrence.

 Congresswoman Lawrence has helped pass 11 bills this Congress to lower drug costs, protect people with pre-existing conditions, and reverse health care sabotage including the “CREATES Act,” that was recently signed into law. The “CREATES Act” makes it easier for generic drugs to come to market, saves taxpayer dollars and helps to lower prescription drug costs.

 Congresswoman Lawrence has also championed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), landmark legislation that gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to bring down prices and make those savings available to hardworking families across America.