Clínica Romero serves areas of Los Angeles that were among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the neighborhoods of Pico Union/Westlake and Boyle Heights. Unfortunately, families in these neighborhoods experienced higher rates of COVID-19 due to risk factors such as high density, crowded living conditions, being employed in the service industry, and due to the fact that many undocumented individuals lack access to health insurance and are afraid to seek help. Many of our patients did not have the luxury of working from home or lost their jobs altogether.

Individuals in our community regularly face numerous barriers, such as lack of health insurance or reliable transportation, when seeking medical care. During the pandemic, additional barriers surfaced given that the majority of health and social services shifted to an online format. Many Clínica Romero patients lacked internet access, smart technology, or the digital skills required to connect to online platforms. Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 testing and vaccination appointments were available via online platforms and took place at mega COVID sites. LA County mega testing and vaccination sites were an option for some people, however these sites did not cater to all and are not reaching those most impacted by the pandemic.

In response to the pandemic, Clínica Romero rapidly began to offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations both within and outside of its clinic walls. We partnered with other trusted community-based organizations and elected officials, including Governor Newson, Mayor Garcetti, County Supervisor Hilda Solis, City Councilmembers De Leon, O’Farrell, and Cedillo, Assemblymembers Carrillo and Santiago, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and US Representative Jimmy Gomez, among others. We set up testing sites throughout the service area and through our outreach efforts we were able to test thousands of community members, gave out much needed PPE, and provided accurate COVID-19 health information. We pride ourselves in working with community partners to meet people where they work, go to school, grocery shop, and worship.

We have been providing medical care and vaccinating these communities for decades. We have built trust with our patients and provide the support they need to lead healthy lives. Clínica Romero operates under the mission to protect, engage, and empower our vulnerable patient populations to become leaders of their own health and wellness.