Shortly thereafter, the St. Vincent hospital administrator directs its staff to ensure such a preventable tragedy would never happen again. They approach Centro Cultural about establishing a health care program.

The goal was to provide high-quality health care to all, especially populations facing barriers to care regardless of ability to pay. Providers would speak the same language as patients and deliver culturally appropriate care.

During its first three months of operation, 1200 patients came, most being Latine farmworkers without health insurance. No one was turned away, but staff and supporters struggled to keep the doors open.

Virginia Garcia recognizes transportation as a major barrier to healthcare for migrant farmworkers. After a previous effort to have camp managers bring workers to the clinic saw limited success, Executive Director Jim Zaleski now proposes a more effective solution: delivering care directly to the farmworker camps.

We’re going to use the resources we have, but we’re going to use them in a different way. We plan to do more outreach work and health screening at the camps. We want to be more visible in the camps and in the community” - Jim Zaleski

The Virginia Garcia informational tape encouraged migrant workers to visit the clinic for care. It emphasized that the clinic is a safe, welcoming place that offers accessible, compassionate care to all, regardless of financial or immigration status. The message reassured workers that they can receive the help they need without fear or hesitation.

The 132-question anonymous surveys gather information about farmworkers' medical history, ongoing illnesses or chronic pain, and the last time they received medical care.

Between May 1 and August 31, a total of 715 migrant workers received medical care and 69 received dental care through mobile outreach efforts. The mobile van visited 29 locations, including nine migrant camps and four nurseries across Washington and Yamhill counties.

Our new Mobile Clinic brings health care directly to the migrant camps where families live and work in Washington County, making it easier for them to get the care they need.

COVID-19 affects the country, and locally, Virginia Garcia takes the lead in testing community members and farmworkers at their living and work settings. New workflows for COVID vaccine distribution were implemented, integrating medical and other departments.

Over the years, this program has consistently addressed a critical gap in healthcare access for underserved populations. Each year, we continue to serve communities that face barriers to healthcare, creating a safe and accessible space for them to receive care. This program not only meets immediate health needs but also builds trust, promotes preventive care, and strengthens the overall well-being of a population that is often overlooked. Its continued presence reflects our deep, ongoing commitment to health equity.