By Renee Louzon-Benn
Casa Grande, AZ – On Wednesday, October 8, 2007, the Sun Life Family Health Center was honored by a visit from Governor Janet Napolitano. The Governor, along with Senator Rebecca Rios, Representative Barbara McGuire, Health Director January Contreras, and Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson, enjoyed a tour of Sun Life's Casa Grande facility. The tour was followed by an informal health issues roundtable focusing on 'Kids as a Basis For Developing a Healthy Community.
Joining Sun Life and the Governor's group in the roundtable discussion were Tom Schryer, the Director of the, Pinal Division of Public Health; Aimée Kempton-Sarosi, Pinal Regional Coordinator; Barbara Mezzio, Pinal Regional Coalition Chair, First Things First; Russell Smith, Project Manager, Empowerment Systems; and Terry Stevens of Cenpatico Behavioral Health. The Governor lead discussion on four key topics: Immunization, Access to Care (AHCCCS/KidsCare), Oral Health, and Community Collaboration.
"It is always a pleasure to visit this part of Pinal County," said Governor Napolitano. "I'm impressed by the good work and good thinking that is occurring at the Sun Life Center."
Sun Life Family Health Center is a not-for-profit organization providing health care to Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, Maricopa, Mammoth, Oracle and San Manuel. The Casa Grande facility is the flagship of the organization, offering multi-specialty services including Family Practice, OB/GYN, Dental, Radiology, Pharmacy and Laboratory. The San Manuel facility also offers Laboratory, Radiology and Pharmacy services. Behavioral Health services are also available at the Casa Grande and San Manual facilities. Sun Life is one of two community health centers in the state that are accredited by the Joint Commission.