Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $80,000 has been awarded to Operation Samahan in National City under the Health Center Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The funding will be used to conduct research and strengthen health services provided to underserved communities, particularly low-income Asians and Pacific Islanders.

“As healthcare is one of our country’s greatest challenges in the 21st century, businesses such as Operation Samahan play a vital role in providing services for low-income families,” said Congressman Filner. “We must work together to support successful healthcare reform in an effort to provide essential health services for every American.”

Samahan – a Tagalog word that means “working together” – was founded by the Filipino community 35 years ago in a small barbershop in downtown San Diego.  What started as a community project initiated by Filipino health professionals has turned into a primary care and multi-service center serving low-income, un-insured and under-insured families and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CONTACT: ALEXIS GELPERIN
September 2, 2009 (619) 422-5963 or (619) 889-5963