About Us
La Clínica del Pueblo is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves the Greater Washington Area. We provide integrated primary care, mental health, and case management services. We also offer a range of programs that support people living with HIV, assist survivors of gender-based violence, deliver school-based mental health services, and offer health literacy education. Founded in 1983, La Clínica is a trusted leader and continues to champion policies that increase access to health care for the Latino community and all who call this area home.
Our Story
La Clínica del Pueblo was founded in 1983 by health advocates responding to the needs of Central Americans from 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 is named Executive Director
1995
La Clínica receives 501(c)(3) status
2002
Entre Amigas (Among Friends) program launches
2003
La Clínica moves to permanent home at 2831 15th Street
2007
Becomes a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
2009
Alicia Wilson named Executive Director
2010
Empodérate Center opens in Mt Pleasant St NW to provide a 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
2018
Fiesta del Barrio celebration in recognition of 35 years of La Clíncia del Pueblo
2019
Catalina Sol named Executive Director
2020
Amid unprecedented challenges, La Clínica rises to the occasion to face Covid-19.
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
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.
Annual ReportLeadership
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