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.
The event opened with an incredible performance by San Diego Ballet Folklórico, whose vibrant choreography and beautiful costumes showcased the beauty, passion, and craftsmanship of Mexican dance.
The luncheon featured a panel of local leaders and experts that explored access to care, reproductive and sexual health and efforts to build more equitable health systems for women and girls. Panelists emphasized that access to care is far more complex than the physical location of a clinic, noting that barriers such as language, culture, trust, cost, and geography can be just as significant. The discussion underscored the importance of meeting people where they are through culturally responsive, community‑based solutions that support women’s health across the lifespan.
Panelists also highlighted the value of expanding access points for essential services, including the availability of contraception through pharmacies at no cost for those who need it, noting that reducing logistical barriers and increasing convenience can meaningfully improve health outcomes and patient autonomy. Throughout the conversation, speakers emphasized how women leaders are driving innovation and health outcomes through advocacy, clinical care and policy.
The conversation was moderated by Elizabeth Alvarez-Escobar, News Anchor & Reporter for FOX5 San Diego. Panelists included:
- Jenny Black, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest
- Amy Moy, Outgoing co-CEO & Senior Advisor, Essential Access Health
- Jennifer Tuteur, M.D., FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency
- Sonia Sapra, M.D., FACOG, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FHCSD
The conversation also highlighted the importance of California’s strong policy landscape in supporting women’s health. Panelists expressed gratitude for living and working in a state with longstanding investments in women’s health care, while acknowledging that continued advocacy is needed to ensure equitable access for all communities.
Meredith Johnston, Vice President of Development at FHCSD, served as master of ceremonies.
“The Spirit of the Barrio event was deeply inspiring—bringing together brilliant women leaders and a room full of San Diego community champions committed to advancing health equity and access for women. The collective passion and leadership on display was truly powerful.”
FHCSD recognized community organizations and businesses that helped make the luncheon possible, including U.S. Bank, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Whiting-Turner, Community Health Group, JLL, EDCO, the Port of San Diego, Blue Shield of California Promise, RAM Construction and Scripps Health.
FHCSD looks forward to continuing to foster dialogue, connection and community impact across San Diego throughout its 40th year of Spirit of the Barrio luncheons.
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About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) provides caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved persons. It is one of the nation’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County. For more information about FHCSD, please visit www.fhcsd.org.
