Heart City Health Welcomes Congressman Rudy Yakym for a Tour and Conversation on Mission and Needs
Heart City Health was honored to welcome Congressman Rudy Yakym for an insightful and
engaging visit to our Simpson location in Elkhart. Guided by our Interim CEO Lalaesha Black,
Congressman Yakym toured the facility, met with staff, and engaged in meaningful
conversations about the realities and rewards of working at a community health center.
During his visit, Congressman Yakym took the time to speak directly with team members from
various departments. Staff shared what their day-to-day responsibilities look like, the challenges
they encounter, and—perhaps most importantly—what they love most about serving at Heart
City Health. Staff expressed pride in being part of an organization dedicated to serving the
community and making a meaningful impact through compassionate, accessible care.
A part of the conversation centered on the 340B program and its impact on patient care. Gene
Valdez, Pharmacist at Heart City Health, shared with Congressman Yakym how significantly the
program has helped patients afford their medications. Dr. Christine Dankwa also raised
questions about the role of middlemen in the 340B system. In addition, we discussed the critical
shortage of primary care providers in Elkhart who accept Medicaid, highlighting how Heart City
Health remains one of the few providers still welcoming Medicaid patients and emphasizing the
importance of continued access for the health and well-being of our community. Congressman
Yakym listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions and acknowledging the challenges these
problems could pose to vulnerable populations.
The conversation also emphasized the broader value that community health centers like Heart
City Health bring to the healthcare system. By providing preventive care, managing chronic
conditions, and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, centers like ours deliver not only
compassionate care, but significant cost savings across the board.
We appreciate Congressman Yakym’s willingness to engage with our team, learn about our
mission, and hear firsthand how policy decisions impact both our staff and the community we
serve. His visit highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between lawmakers and
healthcare providers to ensure that patients’ needs remain at the forefront.
Heart City Health remains committed to advocating for equitable access to healthcare and
partnering with local, state, and federal leaders to build a healthier future for all.