One of the highlights of the Conejos County Hospital groundbreaking ceremony this past Saturday was a speech by State Representative Donald Valdez. “Signs of construction are signs of a healthy economy. When you drive by and see construction, think about the jobs, access to healthcare and all the good that CCH does for our community. Think about those you know who have received services from this hospital, physical therapy or lab or x-ray without having to travel further to Alamosa. Think about those you know who are employed here and make this a top-notch critical access hospital, which is not only expanding and remodeling, but operating successfully while other similar sized hospitals in our state are suffering financially and on the brink of closure. Think about how improvements like these go from idea to design to fruition due to the donations you all have made and continue to make to the foundation to make it possible,” Valdez said. He added that it was an honor to speak for this event in his home county. Shown are Rep. Valdez sharing remarks at the groundbreaking and participants turning over the first shovels at the site.