Author Archives: Clayton Velicer

  What Is Depression? Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with daily life, you may be experiencing depression. Signs and symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyed activities, low energy, and changes …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (November 24, 2025) Covered California launched open enrollment for 2026 health coverage with a press event at Family Health Centers of San Diego’s City Heights Family Health Center. State leaders and community partners attended to help San Diegans understand their insurance options ahead of the January 31, 2026 enrollment deadline. Victoriano …

San Diego, CA — Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) today announced a grant of $250,000 for Health and Well-Being Innovations made possible through the Prebys Foundation’s over $4 million investment in community health across San Diego County. The funding will help FHCSD expand and enhance its Street Medicine Team (SMT), which delivers medical …

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 13, 2025) — The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute (LRMAI) celebrated 37 graduates who completed its medical assistant program and earned certificates, marking a major milestone in their health care careers. The class included three students graduating with honors and five who passed the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam. This …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (October 17, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its fourth and final Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of 2025 on Friday, October 17, 2025, bringing together about 350 community members to explore how building a stronger workforce benefits everyone and helps the community thrive. The luncheon featured a panel …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (October 13, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its 19th annual ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! event on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Memorial Park in the Logan Heights neighborhood. The free community event welcomed more than 1,200 attendees and featured more than 30 booths offering …

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States, responsible for more than 218,000 cases and 131,000 deaths in 2022, according to the CDC. In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, here’s what to know about risk factors, symptoms and the importance of screening. Risk factors Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (August 15, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) held its third Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year, bringing together more than 350 community members to explore the root causes of homelessness. The event featured a panel of frontline experts and community leaders who discussed collaborative, community-centered solutions. …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (July, 2, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted a book distribution organized by Reach Out and Read San Diego (RORSD), helping bring books to pediatric medical providers across San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Dr. Seuss Foundation generously donated a total of 15,000 children’s books. The first 7,000 …

SAN DIEGO, CA – (June 27, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) continues its commitment to accessible, community-based care by providing free or low-cost mammograms to qualifying individuals through ongoing events across San Diego County. So far this year, FHCSD has hosted seven mammogram events, providing 159 screenings to community members — including …

History Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, was once a leading cause of illness and death among children in the United States. Before the introduction of a vaccine in the 1940s, the disease affected more than 200,000 people each year. Thanks to widespread immunization efforts, reported cases dropped by over 90%. However, in recent years, …

In response to a nationwide surge in measles cases, Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted two walk-in community vaccination clinics on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The events were generously sponsored by Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Community Health Group. So far in 2025, more than 1,000 confirmed measles cases have …