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Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced that he will bring Lolita Lopez, CEO of Westside Family Healthcare, as his honored guest at tonight’s 2023 State of the Union address.

For the past 33 years, Lopez has led Westside Family Healthcare of Delaware, a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides health care services to vulnerable, and often uninsured, individuals. Under her leadership, Westside has grown from 3 to 230 employees who deliver first-class care to more than 28,000 Delawareans in New Castle and Kent Counties. Last month, Lopez announced that she will retire from her service on July 1, 2023.

“I am delighted to have Lolita Lopez join me as my guest at this year’s State of the Union address,” said Senator Carper. “For more than three decades, Lolita has remained a well-respected and vital member of the community for her efforts to ensure that all Delawareans receive essential health care services regardless of their income or background. During her tenure, Westside Family Healthcare has grown to become a Federally Qualified Health Center, serving thousands in New Castle and Kent Counties. Her leadership has been critical for the health of residents in Delaware, having helped implement the landmark Affordable Care Act in the First State and seeing our communities through the darkest days of the pandemic.”

"I am honored to join Senator Tom Carper as his guest for the 2023 State of the Union address delivered by President Joe Biden," said Lolita Lopez, President & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare. "Throughout my career, I have come to count on the Senator's steadfast leadership in Congress and unwavering support of Westside's mission. Senator Tom Carper is a community health champion working diligently to secure critical investments in health centers so we can expand our footprint and meet the needs of all Delawareans. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our achievements together tonight at the State of the Union address."