FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hollie Malamud, Director of Development
Phone: (530) 285-3203
Email: holliem@communicarehc.org
CommuniCare Health Centers Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Last weekend, CommuniCare Health Centers celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Yolo County Fairgrounds.
Founded and formed in 1972 by Dr. John H. Jones as the Davis Free Clinic, the golden anniversary recognized and celebrated CommuniCare’s humble beginnings as an all-volunteer-run organization to what the organization it is today with over four hundred employees and a $40 million budget, according to a CommuniCare press release.
Guests mingled and reminisced this past Saturday before the formal program that included a resolution recognizing CommuniCare’s 50 years of service from Senator Dodd and Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar Curry.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Melissa Marshall spoke of CommuniCare’s growth and accomplishments over the past five decades, noting the tremendous amount of work accomplished during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the addition of new programs, such as Orthodontia, and the opening of new sites.
Former CommuniCare staff members Karen Larsen, who served as the director of behavioral health services, and Laura Hogan, who served as the director of development and as executive director, shared the impact CommuniCare had on them both personally and professionally.
Guests in attendance had the opportunity to share their favorite memories of CommuniCare, and the evening continued with dessert and dancing.
For 50 years, CommuniCare Health Centers has remained true to its mission and has a rich history of providing health care to all regardless of the ability to pay. From Dr. Jones’ commitment and compassion to all the staff that continues to support his mission, CommuniCare is proud to be celebrating 50 years of providing comprehensive primary medical and dental services, perinatal services, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, health education, and outreach services to the culturally diverse, low-income, uninsured, and Medi-Cal populations of Yolo County and eastern Solano County, including migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families.
“Perhaps CommuniCare found its way to 50 years with a useful dose of naivete, a healthy amount of optimism, and a strong sense of justice,” Hogan stated. “Whatever the recipe, the shared vision and hard work of the Yolo Community shines through on days like today, and I know Dr. Jones would be full of joy that his vision of care for all is 50 years old.”
The Friends of CommuniCare, a 501c3, hosted the event, and it was generously sponsored by Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health, all long-time partners of CommuniCare.
Nick and Mona Clevenger of the Friends of CommuniCare also sponsored the event.
To view the program and video highlighting CommuniCare’s 50 years and for more information on CommuniCare’s services, visit https://communicarehc.org.
