Valley Cares: Healing Communities, Growing Healers

Health care access

San Gabriel Valley San Fernando Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We seek to address the urgent lack of access to healthcare for uninsured, undocumented, and unhoused individuals in the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valley, along with the shortage of mentorship for aspiring healthcare professionals from underrepresented communities.
Many of our patients delay care due to cost, fear, or immigration-related concerns, often waiting until preventable conditions become emergencies. In 2023, the percentage of adults under age 65 without health insurance was 12.5% in Los Angeles County, CA. At the same time, future healthcare workers from these communities face barriers to guidance and opportunities. Without intervention, health disparities and systemic inequities will deepen. Vida Mobile Clinic offers free, compassionate, and culturally competent care, promoting health equity while mentoring the next generation of diverse healthcare providers. This dual-impact approach is vital and timely in building healthier, more just communities.

Valley Cares: Healing Communities, Growing Healers is an expansion of the current programs Vida Mobile Clinic runs with an increase in the amount of involvement from our youth volunteers. For the past several five years, Vida has focused on our community in the San Fernando Valley, but due to the wildfires, we have expanded our reach to the San Gabriel Valley too. The LA2050 grant will help us continue serving areas of the San Gabriel Valley affected by the wildfire and will include a student-led initiative that delivers free, culturally competent healthcare to uninsured and unhoused individuals. Our mobile clinic travels directly to underserved neighborhoods, reducing transportation barriers. We offer screenings, chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), health education, and referrals, at low to no cost. Vida is powered by a dual mission: providing care while training the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Through our mentorship and training program, pre-health students from historically marginalized communities gain hands-on clinical experience, guidance from licensed providers, and long-term mentorship. This approach addresses both immediate community health needs and long-term workforce inequities.
Our model is effective because it meets people where they are while empowering students to serve their communities. With this grant, we will expand clinic operations, increase outreach to high-need areas, and enhance mentorship opportunities.

If successful, our work will create a healthier, more equitable Los Angeles County where uninsured and unhoused individuals receive timely, compassionate care and where future healthcare providers from underserved communities feel empowered and equipped to lead. In the short term (Oct 2025–Oct 2026), we aim to expand Vida Mobile Clinic’s reach to encompass more of the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valley, increasing clinic days and strengthening mentorship programs. During this time, we will meet with our youth volunteers to increase their involvement with the day-to-day operations of the clinic, so they can continue growing their leadership skills. In the long term, we envision a scalable model replicated across other L.A. neighborhoods, such as Antelope Valley powered by diverse student leaders. Our impact will be twofold: improved health outcomes in historically neglected populations and a stronger, more inclusive healthcare workforce rooted in equity and representation.