Every August, National Health Center Week shines a spotlight on the work community health centers do to expand access to care and strengthen the health of our neighbors. At Venice Family Clinic, it’s also a moment to honor the people who make that care possible: the outreach workers, pediatricians, case managers, therapists and staff who show up every day with compassion, commitment and hope.
Across 18 clinics, three Early Head Start locations, four mobile clinics and three administrative offices, our dedicated staff bring heart, experience and a belief in what’s possible for our community to their work every day. This year’s celebration was a powerful reminder of the difference they make – and why protecting their work is more important than ever, with pervasive threats of funding cuts looming on multiple fronts.
Read on to better understand the difference we make in our patients’ lives, straight from the people who deliver their care every day.
Building strong foundations for families
Parents with limited financial resources often struggle to get the support they need. That’s why we’ve built an integrated system designed to support children and families at every turn.
“As pediatricians, we have the privilege of caring for children from their very first days, helping build trust that supports their health for years to come,” said Dr. Michelle Aguilar, associate medical director and director of pediatrics. “We monitor growth and development, provide immunizations and guidance and identify concerns early. It’s a chance to build lifelong health.”
Our pediatric care extends well beyond the exam room. Infant mental health therapists help parents strengthen their connections with their children. Health educators guide parents in understanding and following through on their child’s care plan. Case managers and enrollment specialists ensure families are housed, fed and insured. And through Early Head Start, developmental screenings and timely interventions put children on a healthier path. “By supporting families early, we’re creating opportunities for children to thrive.” said Carrie Parrish, health services manager for Early Head Start.
Making the connection between mind and body
We all know mental health is important – but what may be less obvious is how much it affects our physical health, too. Chronic stress alone can increase the risk of everything from digestive problems to heart disease and cancer.
“Anxiety, for example, can lead to physical problems like stomach pain or high blood pressure,” said Iliniza (Nisa) Baty, the Clinic’s director of behavioral health. “Helping patients care for their emotional well-being isn’t just important for today – it can prevent serious health issues down the line.”
To help patients improve their mental health and mitigate those risks, our integrated behavioral health department offers state-of-the-art individual, couples and family therapy; domestic violence counseling; support groups for people with specific health concerns and psychiatry services offering medication to help support mental health wellness.
Meeting people where they are
Support doesn’t always begin in a clinic. Sometimes it starts with a conversation.
Our field medicine, behavioral health and outreach teams bring care directly to people who need it most – whether in a shelter, at a community event or on the street. These first connections are often a lifeline, offering immediate help while building trust that leads to long-term support.
“Treating people with respect, empathy and consistency builds trust – and even small wins matter,” says Devon O’Malley, prevention advocate lead in the Clinic’s Common Ground program. “If someone is asking for support, we believe them first. Then we walk alongside them at their own pace. That’s what opens the door to make healing possible.”
It’s this compassion that lays the groundwork for deeper engagement, which could mean bridges to medical treatment, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, housing assistance and more. Our teams’ goal is to help people take steps toward better stability and health – always with dignity and on their own terms.
Protecting what works
The kind of comprehensive, connected care Venice Family Clinic provides doesn’t happen by accident. It requires leadership, funding and policies that prioritize access and connection – no matter who is in office at the local, state or federal level. “Advocacy is how we make sure this system that serves so many people stays intact,” said Amber Guerra, the Clinic’s advocacy coordinator. “It’s about protecting what works and pushing for policies that improve people’s lives.”
Commitment to community
For many Clinic staff members, like our outreach team co-leaders Damian Diaz and Kristina Nava, the mission is deeply personal. “We are more than just a place to get medical care,” says Nava. “We are trusted partners, a frequent voice for our communities and a safe haven for many.”
“Every day we’re out here connecting people to services; meeting them where they are; helping them take the next step,” adds Diaz. “It’s not about saving people. It’s about standing with them. That’s what the work really is.”
That’s why we show up – and why we always will.