San Joaquin medical community celebrates at Community Medical Center annual fundraiser-gala
A few hundred guests gathered at University of the Pacific’s DeRosa Ballroom for Community Medical Centers' “Fabric of Our Community 45 Years in the Making” Annual Gala-Fundraiser
Stockton City Councilwoman Kimberly Warmsley (District 6) and (District 2) Counselman Dan Wright engage with Community Medical Center staff at the “Fabric of Our Community 45 Years in the Making” Annual Gala on Nov. 4 at University of the Pacific’s DeRosa Ballroom. Photo by Vivienne Aguilar.
By VIVIENNE AGUILAR
vivienne@cvlocaljournalism.org
For the first time since the pandemic, hundreds gathered in Stockton to discuss how far medical access has expanded for migrant communities in San Joaquin County and how northern San Joaquin Valley residents can receive quality healthcare.
Community Medical Centers, Inc. hosted its “Fabric of Our Community, 45 Years in the Making” Annual Gala on Nov. 4 at University of the Pacific’s DeRosa Ballroom.
Formerly known as the Agricultural Workers Health Project, CMC began in the 1960s and became a nonprofit in the late 1970s. Originally, volunteer medical providers took to the fields and gave check-ups from the trunks of their cars. CMC now partners with school districts, Delta College and county services and operates 31 sites in San Joaquin and Solano to provide women’s health, dental, mental health care and more for low-income residents.
“To make sure we’re making a difference, we have to be brave,” CMC CEO Christine Noguera told CVJC. “There are so many opportunities to access quality care.”
CMC staff members with decades of combined experience praised Noguera’s leadership since she started in 2014.
Teresa Barajas has been with CMC for 27 years. She began as a front desk receptionist and hopes to retire in her current position as a patient navigator in Stockton.
“I remember when there were only 3 main departments. When our CEO, Christine, took over, she brought new things and we have been growing ever since.” Barajas said.
Rep. Josh Harder’s office sent the organization an official recognition for their milestone achievement.
Three community partners received awards.
Tom Bowe, a retired architect, was given the Business Partner Award for spending 10 years of his career building CMC health centers. The Community Partner Award went to Dr. Maggie Park, who worked as a CMC provider and is now the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer. Karen Sprague, a Nurse Practitioner and the Dixon-based Northern Clinic Lead, was awarded as Community Health Hero.
Sprague’s Dixon/Vacaville team excitedly toasted their boss’ leadership and celebrated others’ promotions within their clinic.
“I am honored and humbled,” Sprague said about her award. “When Christine called to tell me about it, I thought to myself ‘I can point to so many others who also deserve it.’”
Some distinguished guests of the fundraiser included Health Plan of San Joaquin’s CEO Lizeth Granados, Stockton City Councilman Dan Wright, District 2, and Councilwoman for District 6 and Vice Mayor Kimberly Warmsley.
“We’re waiting for a CMC clinic in South Stockton! Where y’all at?” Warmsley joked at her table.
13,618 migrant and seasonal workers received care from CMC last year, and 7,697 homeless patients were served through CareLink locations and mobile response programs.
In 2022, Community Medical Centers served 111,159 patients in-clinic and virtually. Only one percent of the organization's patients are insured. Those who depend on Medi-Cal make up 76% of all CMC patients, 5% use Medicare, and 18% of patients are uninsured altogether.
So far, the annual fundraiser has reached $13,450 of the $20,000 goal. Donations are still being accepted.
Vivienne Aguilar is the health equity reporter for the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, a nonprofit newsroom based in Merced, in collaboration with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF).