La Clínica del Pueblo

Get to Know La Clínica

ABOUT US

Since 1983, La Clínica del Pueblo has been addressing the distinct health needs of our community through comprehensive primary medical care with wrap-around services across the life spectrum; mental health and substance use treatment; medical interpretation and language access advocacy; community health including health education and safe spaces; and advocacy strategies to increase inclusion and health equity for Latino immigrants.

More About Us

La Clínica is driven by the belief that healthcare is a human right. Created and inspired by social justice movements, we are committed to reducing health inequities based on immigration status, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, and race.
Our model is rooted in community. Over the years, we have trained and integrated hundreds of community members as key architects of our programs, strategies and vision. Our services and staff reflect the cultural richness and diversity of the community we serve.
We serve the Washington metropolitan region with physical locations in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County. Our locations include two clinical sites, two community-based settings, and a school-based program.
Contact us at info@lcdp.org to schedule a tour.

OUR STORY

In 1983, Salvadoran immigrants and United States health advocates founded La Clínica del Pueblo in response to the emergent health needs of Central American immigrants displaced by the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in that time. For many of these immigrants, accessing healthcare services in the United States was nearly impossible due to the cultural, linguistic, and economic barriers they faced.

Since then, La Clínica del Pueblo has grown from an all-volunteer, free weekly clinic, to a multi-site organization working in D.C. and Maryland. Driven by a team of more than 100 employees, 50 peer health promoters, and more than 50 volunteers, we continue to adapt to the growing and changing needs of the Latino community, with a special focus on expanding healthcare access in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

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.

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 based on immigration status, language, gender, sexual identity, and race.

VALUES

La Clínica believes in and is guided by the following values:

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 Latino immigrants 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.

Annual Report