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 …

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 …

  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 …

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 …

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, …