Former mayor Pena honored with portrait unveiling

The Honorable Denver Mayor Federico F. Peña joined Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne for a portrait unveiling Monday at the Federico F. Peña Family Health Center to recognize the former mayor for his contributions to the health system and to the Denver community. 

“I’d like to focus on the extraordinary dignity that Mayor Peña has exhibited throughout his life to champion those who are underserved. This is always what has guided him— lifting others who are less fortunate,” Lynne said. “And this, of course, is what Denver Health does. We honor the dignity and humanity of everyone we serve, especially those who are often marginalized by society.” 

Peña acknowledged the important work Denver Health is doing to ensure community health and urged community members not to take the health system’s work for granted. 

“We observed many years ago that there are so many people in our community who don’t have access to quality health care. Now they can come here and get early detection,” Peña said. “I can’t imagine how many lives have been saved just because of this one center. Please remember there are nine other health centers around the city. Don’t take this for granted.” 

Since the Federico F. Peña Family Health Center opened in southwest Denver in 2016, it has grown to become Denver Health’s largest federally qualified health center. The health center has seen over 111,000 unique patients since it opened and saw more than 20,000 unique patients in 2023.  

“Federico and Cindy were the driving forces behind this very building,” Lynne said. “This center is an incredible pillar of the community and a symbol of what it means to come from the community and work with the community. Thank you again, Federico and Cindy, for all you have done over the years to improve the health and vitality of Denver.”  

Peña’s portrait was completed by local artist Sierra Montoya Barela and will now be displayed near the entrance to the family health center that shares his namesake.