Author Archives: Clayton Velicer

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 31, 2026) – Representatives from community clinics, health advocacy groups, provider organizations and community leaders gathered at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) last week for a press conference urging voters to reject Proposition 44. Speakers warned that the measure could reduce access to care for millions of Californians who …

Men’s Health Month raises awareness about the health issues that affect men and the importance of early care. According to the CDC, men are more likely than women to die from major long-term diseases, but they are less likely to visit a health care provider for routine checkups. This can lead to health problems being …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (May 15, 2026) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its second Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year on Friday, May 15, 2026, bringing together more than 350 community members for a conversation on mental health and resilience across our communities. The event marked the second gathering in a year-long celebration …

Why Child Wellness Visits Matter in the First Year   Wellness visits during your child’s first year of life are one of the most important tools for keeping them healthy. Pediatricians and public health experts recommend these checkups to help track growth, prevent disease, and support development. What happens at these visits? These visits are …

About three years ago, Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) identified a gap in access to urgent and cardiac care in the East County region of San Diego. Residents in this large, traditionally underserved area often had to travel long distances for help with mild to moderate chest pain or immediate medical needs. With …

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its first Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year on Friday, February 20, 2026, bringing together more than 350 community members for a conversation on advancing women’s health across the lifespan. The event marked the first gathering in a yearlong celebration of Spirit of the Barrio’s 40th anniversary. …

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects nearly half of U.S. adults and remains a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and premature death, according to federal health officials. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show rates have remained high in recent years and continue to exceed national health goals. …

Chula Vista, CA — Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) celebrated the opening of new radiology services at its Chula Vista Family Health Center on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government, philanthropic, and community partners. The radiology expansion was made possible by a generous $556,000 donation from Molina Healthcare of California. Radiology …

Since 2021, more than 300 grants have been issued to community organizations focused on eliminating health disparities. In the latest round of funding, $4 million was awarded to 28 organizations.  FEB. 4, 2026 – Direct Relief today announced that more than $67 million has reached community organizations in all 50 U.S. states to organizations working …

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic testing can identify a clinically significant genetic finding for some people with schizophrenia. The study was co-led by Dr. Aaron Besterman, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Medical Director of Family Health Centers of San Diego’s Laura Rodriguez Research Institute. The research team analyzed …

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to Family Health Centers of San Diego’s (FHCSD) education and training program. The scholarships will support the Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute’s (LRMAI) efforts to train future health care workers from the San Diego community and help address a local workforce shortage. To date, LRMAI has graduated six cohorts of medical assistants, totaling 118 alumni, with the …

  The holiday season can be a great time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, but it can also bring stress, anxiety and emotional strain for many people. A recent poll found that 41% of U.S. adults say they expect more stress around the holidays this year than last year. This increased …