A Time of Giving
UC Irvine’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are at the forefront of combating health disparities in underserved low-income communities. Under the guidance of Executive Director, Dr. Jose Mayorga, the FQHC has shattered access barriers, delivering high-quality care to a diverse patient base. In a single year, the center logged nearly 117,000 visits, serving nearly 29,000 unique patients across all age groups. Notably, ~42% of patients were non-English speakers, and 21,000 identified as Latino, underscoring the center's commitment to cultural competence. Responding to critical health needs, the FQHC conducted over 3,000 cervical cancer screenings for at-risk Latinas and implemented a hypertension management program that achieved controlled blood pressure in 67% of patients. This data not only highlights the center's extensive impact but also sets a new benchmark for community-focused healthcare.
The UCI-OC Alliance was essential to the establishment of the inaugural Executive Council as part of the FQHC’s strategic financial plan raising nearly $100,000 with lead contribution from Hyundai during the first couple of months to maximize opportunities in the clinics. Special appreciation goes to founding Executive Council members Fred Flores, Dean Yoost, Brandon Ramirez among other community members.
In the cultural pillar of the strategic plan, the council supported Dr. Mayorga in closing the year by bringing smiles to the families they serve and their entire team. The holiday celebration came with hundreds of toys, smiles and a few tears of joy. On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Alliance members and their families gathered to ensure over 350 children received toys, took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause, Buddy the Elf, Anaheim's Fire Department and a special visit from Anaheim Mayor Ashley Aitken, Councilmember Carlos Leon, and Congressman Lou Correa.
This holiday toy drive not only brightened the season for hundreds of children but also exemplified UC Irvine's holistic approach to community well-being. By seamlessly blending high-quality healthcare with compassionate community outreach, UC Irvine continues to demonstrate its steadfast commitment to improving lives both inside and outside the clinic walls, creating a model of care that truly addresses the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.