WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO?
Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) is a private, nonprofit community health center. Our mission is to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. We accomplish this through a network of more than 45 locations, including 24 primary care clinics, eight dental clinics, 13 behavioral health facilities, an outpatient substance use treatment program, vision and physical therapy departments, two mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers and a pharmacy to support services throughout San Diego County. The breadth of our clinic locations, services and programs has grown over the last five decades, making us the largest community clinic provider of health care to the uninsured in the county and one of the top 10 largest community clinic organizations in the nation. We are also the largest school-based health care provider and largest comprehensive HIV/AIDS services provider in the San Diego region. Visit us at www.fhcsd.org to learn more.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU SERVE?
Our staff provides care to over 227,000 unique patients through more than one million health and medical encounters each year.
WHAT ARE YOU MAJOR ANNUAL ACTIVITIES?
Since 1986, Family Health Centers of San Diego’s Spirit of the Barrio luncheons have spread awareness about our mission to provide high-quality health care to underserved communities across San Diego, while also presenting a variety of themes to our guests as they dine on our legendary tamales.
In addition, the event raises critical funding for Family Health Centers of San Diego’s programs and services by bringing together local businesses, individuals and community leaders for networking, education, entertainment and community building. Spirit of the Barrio is held in the Logan Heights neighborhood, where our first clinic was founded five decades ago. Approximately 500 supporters, including prominent corporate, political and community leaders, attend the event. For more information, visit www.fhcsd.org/spirit-of-the-barrio.
WHEN WAS YOUR ORGANIZATION FOUNDED?
Family Health Center of San Diego’s story started in 1970. In 1970, Laura Rodriguez and a group of community members sought to bring much-needed medical services to Barrio Logan. They took over a building that was originally a settlement house and, after eight days of occupation, succeeded in negotiations with the City of San Diego and the community. This led to the gifting of the building to the community of Barrio Logan and the establishment of the Chicano Free Clinic. Medical care delivery began two evenings a week, and the health center saw approximately 150 patients each month. This building eventually became Logan Heights Family Health Center, the flagship clinic of Family Health Centers of San Diego!
HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATED IN SAN DIEGO PRIDE?
Family Health Centers of San Diego is proud to have participated in San Diego Pride for the last 13 years.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATED IN SAN DIEGO PRIDE?
Family Health Centers of San Diego is committed to providing care and services to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and we are proud to embody the spirit of San Diego Pride. We march in the parade annually, provide information on how to utilize services to attendees and take part in the festival. Our departments, such as Gay Men’s Health Services and Transgender Health Services, host festival booths, providing important educational materials to the community.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN SAN DIEGO PRIDE?
Participating in the pride parade and festival is one of the ways we show our connection to the LGBTQ community and its well-being. FHCSD has also been designated a Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign for our dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for not only our LGBTQ patients, but staff as well.
WHAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?
Family Health Centers of San Diego relies on the community’s support to continue our mission of providing caring, affordable, high-quality health care to all individuals. We have a number of opportunities open for community members. For more information, please contact our Development Team at (619) 515-2306 or [email protected].
HOW ELSE CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR WORK?
We accept in-kind, monetary and vehicle donations. Consider donating to our Baby Boutique program, which encourages new moms to complete their postpartum care, while helping them obtain essential items including baby clothes, supplies, children’s books and diapers. The Baby Boutique accepts in-kind donations of new or gently used baby items. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1827 Logan Ave., Suite 2, San Diego, CA 92113. Additionally, our Reach Out and Read program, which gives books to families during well child visits, can be supported through financial contributions, book drives or donations of new or gently loved children’s books in English or Spanish. To arrange a book donation, please call (619) 515-2306. For additional information, please visit https://www.fhcsd.org/ways-to-help/
CONNECT WITH US:
Website: www.fhcsd.org
Facebook: facebook.com/FHCSD
Twitter: twitter.com/FamilyHealthSD
Instagram: instagram.com/familyhealthcenterssd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/FHCSD/
Fernando Lopez was the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
