U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, will be in Bend on Wednesday to meet with health care providers and patients to discuss the new health care laws.

In recent visits, Walden participated in two Deschutes County town hall meetings and met with business leaders in Sisters, Redmond and Bend. During these meetings Walden heard people express concerns about the health care laws, according to Andrew Malcolm, Walden’s press secretary.

During his visit Wednesday, Walden plans to meet with local health care providers, patients and representatives of the Central Oregon Health Council, including St. Charles Health System, Bend Memorial Clinic, Advantage Dental and other patient advocates. Additionally, a representative from the regional office of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Seattle will be participating in the discussion by telephone.

The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Bend, 2500 N.E. Neff Road.

Walden will also speak to The Rotary Club of Bend at noon Wednesday at the Bend Golf and Country Club, 61045 Country Club Drive.

— From staff reports