Puente unexpectedly received two major awards in January for its efforts to connect the South Coast’s rural, underserved population with quality health care. On January 9, Lorena Vargas de Mendez, Puente’s Safety Net Services Manager, was presented with the Toby J. Douglas Leadership and Advocacy Award on behalf of San Mateo County, to recognize her extraordinary work in helping San Mateo County’s most vulnerable residents get health care coverage. De Mendez says her award came as a complete shock when it was announced in the middle of a meeting of the Children’s Health Initiative Oversight Coalition. Puente is a member of the coalition and a Community Health Advocate with San Mateo County’s Health Coverage Unit, which helps families apply for free and low-cost health coverage. Over time, de Mendez has made a major difference in the lives of hundreds of low-income community members. Last year, she helped more than 400 South Coast neighbors get free or affordable health care, including getting them signed up for insurance programs and helping them with navigating complex medical systems. She is especially proud to have been nominated by Graciela Lopez, a manager with the Health Coverage Unit that oversees Puente’s health enrollment efforts.  “This represents that the people outside Pescadero recognize our advocacy. When outsiders recognize our work, it makes it even more special,” … Continue reading Puente honored with two health care awards