February 17, 2026
High Blood Pressure: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself
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. …
February 5, 2026
Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity Reaches Organizations in All 50 U.S. States with More than $67 Million in Support
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 …
January 18, 2026
Training the Next Generation of Health Care Workers
By Lara Cooper, Direct Relief Addressing the shortage of health workers and ensuring those workers are connected to the communities they serve is at the heart of a San Diego training program doing just that, one graduate at a time. The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute, or LRMAI, is an education and training program of …
December 24, 2025
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Provides Scholarships to the Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute
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 …
October 29, 2025
Direct Relief’s Dr. Byron Scott and San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Rachel Bereza Deliver Commencement Addresses to LRMAI Class of 2025
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 …
August 27, 2025
Have you been dropped by your health insurance?
Dear valued patient, Family Health Centers of San Diego has been told by Medi-Cal health insurance providers, such as Blue Shield Promise, Molina and UnitedHealthcare, that certain patients are losing health insurance coverage. Without coverage, you may have to pay the full cost for doctor visits, ER/urgent care visits and prescription medications. These costs can …
August 13, 2025
Escondido Family Health Center – Accepting New Patients
Located in central Escondido, Escondido Family Health Center (EFHC) offers a wide range of primary care services for the residents of North County. Mental health services are available next door at Escondido Family Counseling Center. Patient parking is available in the attached parking lot. To schedule an appointment, call (760) 546-2068.
June 12, 2025
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): What to Know
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, …
June 4, 2025
Escondido Physical Health & Wellness Center – NOW OPEN
Escondido Physical Health & Wellness Center offers chiropractic, physical therapy, weight management and nutrition services to the residents of North County. Our expert care team can help you regain mobility after an injury, recover from surgery, manage chronic pain and help you meet your weight loss goals. Located on the first floor of Escondido …
May 5, 2025
Measles Vaccination Event on Saturday, May 31
Two measles vaccinations events will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:30pm. El Cajon Family Health Center 525 E. Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 and Logan Heights Family Health Center 1809 National Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113 Receive a $50 gift card after completed vaccination per child* Vaccines are available …
April 8, 2025
City of San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera Delivers Commencement Speech at LRMAI Graduation
SAN DIEGO, CA – The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute (LRMAI) proudly recognized 38 students who completed the medical assistant program and earned their MA certificates, marking a significant milestone in their health care careers. The graduates, from both the full- and part-time cohorts, included 10 students graduating with honors and six who elected to …
March 14, 2025
Measles: What to Know with Cases on the Rise
Measles Case in 2026 Measles cases in the United States have risen in recent years, with outbreaks reported in multiple states. As of early 2026, more than 1,200 confirmed cases have been reported nationwide across more than 30 states, with most linked to outbreaks rather than isolated infections. Most cases involve unvaccinated people or those …

