About Us
Founded in 1983, La Clínica del Pueblo addresses the health needs of the local community through comprehensive primary medical care with wrap-around services, mental health and substance use treatment, medical interpretation and language access advocacy, community health including health education and safe spaces and advocacy strategies.
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More About Us
Founded in 1983, La Clínica del Pueblo addresses the health needs of the local community through comprehensive primary medical care with wrap-around services, mental health and substance use treatment, medical interpretation and language access advocacy, community health including health education and safe spaces and advocacy strategies.
Our Story
In 1983, health advocates founded La Clínica del Pueblo in response to the emergent health needs of Central Americans displaced by the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
In 1983, health advocates founded La Clínica del Pueblo in response to the emergent health needs of Central Americans displaced by the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
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Timeline
1983
La Clínica del Pueblo founded as a project of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), providing free medical services in volunteer-run clinic.
1994
First Board of Directors formed to lead La Clínica as an independent agency; Dr. Juan Romagoza named 1st Executive Director
1995
La Clínica obtains 501(c)(3) status.
2002
Entre Amigas (Among Friends) program launches as part of our comprehensive women and reproductive health programs and services.
2003
La Clínica moves to permanent home at 2831 15th street.
2007
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status awarded.
2009
Alicia Wilson selected as the organization’s second Executive Director.
2010
Empodérate Center opens in Mt Pleasant St NW to provide dedicated and safe space for LGBTQ young adults.
2012
Initial NCQA recognition obtained as a Patient Centered Medical Home.
2015
¡Bienvenido a Mi Refugio! School-based mental health program opens.
2016
Expanding Our Reach: Grand opening of Hyattsville clinic
2016
La Casa, Su Casa: La Casa in Mount Pleasant becomes permanent home for our community-based programs and advocacy
2017
Opening of the second Empodérate center in Prince George’s County to provide dedicated and safe space for LGBTQ young adults.
2018
Fiesta del Barrio celebration in recognition of 35 years of La Clíncia del Pueblo.
2019
Catalina Sol selected as the third Executive Director in the history of the organization.
2020
Amid unprecedented challenges, La Clínica rises to occasion to meet community health needs amid Covid-19.
2021
La Clínica fully embraced vital public health strategies, promoting and increasing access to vaccines while advocating for vaccine equity, in particular for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals.
2024
Carlos Plazas named Chief Executive Officer
MISSION
Our mission is to build a healthy Latino community through culturally appropriate health services, focusing on those most in need.
VISION
We envision a diverse, inclusive, healthy, safe, and happy community, free from violence and discrimination, where individuals have access to healthcare and are well-informed and empowered to care for themselves and their families. Continually advocating for healthcare as a human right, we envision our community united and organized to end health inequities.
VALUES
La Clínica believes in and is guided by the following values:
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Our Values
Health Equity: We believe that health care is a human right.
Enthusiasm: We celebrate our community and culture. We seek to bring joy, care, generosity and positivity to even the most challenging situations.
Community: We strive to empower and embody the community around us by staying true to our grassroots as a Latino service organization that commits to improve the health of all.
Perseverance: We are strong, hardworking, and dedicated to working with patients as long as it takes to meet their needs.
Quality Care: We welcome all in a compassionate, culturally sensitive manner. We seek to expand access to health care and to provide the best possible professional care for our patients in a holistic, sustainable, cost-effective manner.
Collaboration: We are stronger by working together in an integrated model, by extending our reach through meaningful alliances, and by partnering with our patients to share responsibility in their health.
OUR IMPACT
For over four decades, La Clinica del Pueblo has been committed to improving the health of Latine community and low-income families. Our work is guided by five strategic directions: High-Quality and High Performance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Strategic Partnerships, Research and Data, and Advocacy.
Today, we increase access to health and improved health outcomes for more than 5,000 patients annually through direct services and 50,000+ people through our community outreach.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Ortiz
President
Gerardo Portillo
Treasurer
Salome Martinez
Secretary
Florentino Duarte
At-Large Patient
Luis Angelo Gomez
At-Large – Patient
Veronica Vela
At-Large
Carolyn Zugaldia
At-Large Patient