Celebrating the Power of Community Health Centers: A Spotlight on Latino Health Equity

As we wrap up National Wellness Month we are celebrating Community Health Centers (CHCs) that provide vital quality, affordable and culturally competent care to Latino and other under-resourced communities. At RDF, we are especially proud to spotlight our 25 UnidosUS affiliate CHCs who are making a profound impact on health equity. 

Unfortunately, the Latino community has faced a disproportionate decline in life expectancy over the past two years. Health inequities such as language barriers, limited access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality housing, and financial stability play a significant role in these disparities. That’s where the work of CHCs becomes so essential. They are medical homes supporting the health and well-being of their patients and their communities. And they do so much more! Every day, our affiliates are addressing social drivers of health – the social, economic and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health outcomes – to combat health inequities. 

Here are just a few examples: 

• Housing Is Healthcare: Project Vida creates and preserves affordable homes for their patients in El Paso, Texas. This is a prime example of CHCs merging health equity with housing, opportunities by providing a clean, dry, secure environment fundamental to hygiene and protection from and the elements.  

• Wealth & Financial Empowerment: La Maestra Community Health Centers in San Diego, California, understands the connection between wealth and health. Their Microcredit Program for Women builds wealth and income among historically under-served communities to improve health outcomes by increasing access to preventative and emergency medical care.  

  

• Arts Improving Health: Urban Health Plan’s Arts Desk in New York City is a pioneering initiative that uses arts-led social prescribing to improve health.  As one of the first intergenerational and interdisciplinary programs of its kind, it demonstrates the powerful role that creative expression can play in overall well-being. 

• Healthcare Plays an Essential Role in Voter Access: That’s why many of our CHC leaders have incorporated voting booths and engagement within their clinics and program services like San Ysidro Health, AltaMed, Mountain Park Health Center, and Congreso Health Center.  

Catalyzing Growth Together 

Our 25 affiliate CHCs are a powerful force for health equity, serving over 1.3 million patients across 8 states and D.C. But they need our support to expand their services and reach their full potential and maximum impact.  

That’s why RDF created the Comunidad Sana Fund, a $100 million initiative in partnership with UnidosUS to advance health equity. Thanks to our partners like PNC, Bank of America, CommonSpirit Health, U.S. Bank, Comerica Bank, National Association of Community Health Centers, MASS Design Group and Capital Link, we are investing in these CHCs to catalyze their growth as we aim to reduce health and economic disparities.  

Through the initiative, we are also facilitating a learning collaborative – an opportunity for leaders from all 25 affiliates to gather and co–create innovative activities and solutions toward healthcare resiliency.  

The impact of Comunidad Sana is already evident. 

Esperanza Health Centers 

We marked the launch of the fund with an investment in Esperanza Health Centers – a cornerstone of Chicago’s Southwest Side Latino community. RDF has for years been a dedicated partner in Esperanza’s growth journey. In 2023 we provided our largest investment to date to double

the size of its Brighton Park campus, adding services for senior patients and a residency program training doctors in culturally competent care. This campus is unique in that it goes beyond healthcare, offering a safe haven for the community complete with a cafe, a plaza, a garden, a playground and dedicated spaces for music, arts and crafts and yoga.  

Mountain Park Health Center 

Mountain Park Health Center, has served the Phoenix Valley for over 40 years providing quality affordable care in areas where families need them most. Through the Comunidad Sana fund, RDF has invested in the renovation of its Jesse Owens Clinic to provide healthcare access in South Phoenix. Already known as a medical home for the community, it will soon become a full-service primary care clinic serving 1,000 patients a week offering internal medicine, integrated care, telehealth services and an on-site pharmacy. We look forward to sharing updates on this project on our social media pages as the renovation progresses with an expected grand opening of early 2025.  

“I’m so proud to lead the Comunidad Sana health equity initiative for RDF. It’s a pleasure to learn from our amazing UnidosUS affiliate Community Health Centers as we work together on innovative solutions.” – Sima Thakkar, RDF’s VP of Health & Climate Equity.  

Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities.