La Maestra clinic celebrates 35 years of community healthcare in San Diego County

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria at the podium far right during La Maestra s anniversary celebration Photo courtesy of Gloria via X La Maestra Family Clinic hosted its th anniversary celebration Friday at Balboa Park The event at the Prado Grand Ballroom highlighted the organization s three-plus decades ofservice while honoring district collaborators behind the clinic s journey to aid individuals and families in achieving improved healthcare and wellness Since its founding in La Maestra has become a healthcare partner across San Diego and East and South County The clinic designated as a nonprofit federally qualified healthcare center delivers an array of services addressing curative requirements while taking into account social drivers to promote long-term well-being and self-sufficiency In more than individuals were treated at La Maestra which now operates licensed clinics These include curative dental and mental healthcare sites mobile biological and dental units school-based healthcare locations and a mobile mammography coach What La Maestra calls its Circle of Care model offers coordinated access to services such as primary preventive mental wellness and dental care diagnostic imaging and substance-use patronage Patients also receive access to transportation eligibility enrollment housing assistance job readiness programs financial literacy legal navigation and food distribution through the Healthy Choices Food Pantry and a group garden La Maestra s leadership believes that healthcare cannot be separated from other life circumstances and the organization s legacy reflects that commitment administrators revealed in a news release During the celebration La Maestra recognized longtime partners for their collaboration and dedication including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria Several other office holders joined the celebration including Rep Juan Vargas D-San Diego and former state legislator Toni Atkins who is running for governor