U.S. Rep. Adam Smith was in Renton this past week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of community health centers with representatives from HealthPoint Renton.

Smith joined State Sen. Karen Keiser and HealthPoint Chief Strategy and Development Officer Lisa Yohalem on Aug. 13 for a brief ceremony and cake in honor of the anniversary.

“Healthcare is the toughest public policy problem I face,” Smith said, adding “It starts with access.”

He went on to praise the work that community health centers like HealthPoint provide in their communities.

According to Yohalem, health centers began in response to the War on Poverty and the civil rights movement and have grown into the largest network of primary care in the country.

In Renton, HealthPoint is celebrating its 44th year in the community. It is one of nine HealthPoint centers across King County. Last year, HealthPoint totaled more than 270,000 visits.

“At HealthPoint, we believe everyone deserves great care,” Yohalem said.