National Health Center Week, being observed Aug. 3 through 9, is an annual event that recognizes the contributions organizations like Community Medical Centers (CMC) have made to their communities since the 1960s. This year’s theme is “America’s Health Centers: Celebrating 60 Years of Improving Our Nation’s Health.”
The work that led to the local CMC’s establishment began 57 years ago, when physicians, nurses, and dentists from the San Joaquin Medical Society began volunteering in local fields and orchards to care for farmworkers and their families. Today, CMC operates 29 service sites, serves over 116,000 patients each year, and employs more than 1,100 staff members.
During this week, CMC will honor the contributions of its partners, patients, and employees. The celebration culminates in a free Health & Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stockton Ports Baseball Stadium, 404 W. Fremont St., in Stockton.
“This free event is a chance for the entire community to come together, receive important health information, and also have a good time in support of our mission to improve health and well-being in our communities,” said CMC Chief Executive Officer Greg Diederich. “We hope everyone will take themselves out to the ballpark for what promises to be a very enjoyable and informative day.”
Visitors to the Health & Resource Fair will have the opportunity to receive free health screenings, access wellness information, enjoy family-friendly activities, and learn more about local resources. Giveaways and prizes will be available while supplies last.
Major sponsors of the event include Health Plan of San Joaquin, Kaiser Permanente, Dameron Hospital, Health Net of California, and Gilead Sciences. Community organizations, including Bread of Life, the Emergency Food Bank, and Little Manila Rising, will have booths. Representatives from the City of Stockton’s Community Services Department, along with San Joaquin County’s departments of Aging & Community Services, Behavioral Health Services, and Child Support Services, will also be in attendance.
CMC program staff from Behavioral Health, CareLink/Mobile Community Response, Health Coverage Counseling, Health Education, HIV Early Intervention, Population Health, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and WIC will participate. Health screenings will be performed by CMC nurses, physicians, and resident physicians from the St. Joseph’s Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program located at CMC Channel.
“Early detection is key when it comes to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure,” said CMC Associate Medical Director of Family Medicine Dr. Juan Lopez Solorza. “This health fair is a great opportunity for our community to access free screenings, learn their numbers, and take steps toward better long-term health.”
Organizations like CMC are a cornerstone of the U.S. healthcare system, serving one in five uninsured individuals, one in three people living in poverty, and 9.4 million children. Despite delivering care to over 32.5 million patients annually, community health centers account for approximately one percent of total U.S. healthcare spending—making them among the most cost-effective solutions for improving public health.
Community Medical Centers is a non-profit network of neighborhood health centers serving San Joaquin and Solano counties. CMC provides primary medical, dental and behavioral health care along with supportive services to individuals and families in need.
