Dear friends and supporters,

In response to recent political actions by governors in Texas and Arizona, immigrants have been sent to Sanctuary Cities such as Los Angeles. Clínica Romero has actively engaged in offering crucial healthcare services to these individuals since they began arriving in our community.

Our dedicated team at Clínica Romero has been on the front lines, delivering a range of services to address the diverse healthcare needs of the new arrivals. This includes preventative medical care, transportation services to eliminate barriers to access, vaccinations for students entering the school system, OBGYN services, pediatrics, and comprehensive maternal and family health services. We have been meeting many of these members of the immigrant community at designated shelters in Los Angeles and other locations across the community, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those seeking our assistance.

Collaborating closely with various city organizations, including the office of Mayor Karen Bass, CARECEN, and CHIRLA through the L.A. Welcome Coalition, Clínica Romero has been an active participant in ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to quality healthcare. To date, Clínica Romero has provided essential healthcare services to over 50 immigrants arriving from these buses. We express our gratitude to our supporters and partners who enable us to extend our reach and provide compassionate care to those in need. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a healthy and inclusive community.

Looking ahead, Clínica Romero remains steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing healthcare services to immigrants, recognizing the importance of continuity of care for these vulnerable populations. As bussing of asylum seekers continues, we are actively seeking future collaborations and partnerships with city organizations, community leaders, and local authorities. By fostering these connections, we aim to strengthen our collective efforts in safeguarding the health and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care. Our commitment extends beyond the present circumstances, and we are dedicated to adapting and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of the community we serve. Together with our supporters, we look forward to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare infrastructure that prioritizes the health and dignity of all.

 

Our Commitment to the Homeless Community: Clínica Romero Off-Site Partnerships

Clínica Romero has forged impactful off-site partnerships with four prominent organizations in Los Angeles, strategically expanding the reach of its vital healthcare services to the homeless population.

One of these alliances is with the St. Francis Center, a dedicated hub providing social services to the unhoused populations. Bi-weekly on-site events orchestrated in partnership with Clínica Romero involve the deployment of six canopies and providers, complemented by chairs for waiting. Promotoras play a crucial role in guiding patients through new pamphlets, facilitating their enrollment in the NEV program, even for those with existing Medi-Cal coverage. Services include vitals checks, eligibility assessments for those without Medi-Cal, and essential healthcare provisions such as wound care and blood draws. The St. Francis Center, with its focus on social services, food pantry, and medication distribution assistance, complements Clínica Romero’s offerings, including referrals for shelters and the provision of clothing and snacks.

A second partnership with The Dream Center collaboration parallels the St. Francis Center but takes a unique turn as it exclusively serves individuals enrolled in the Dream Center program, catering specifically to those in transitional housing. Eligibility checks for out-of-state individuals are a distinctive feature, ensuring that Clínica Romero’s services are extended to those who may have relocated to join the Dream Center Program.

In our third partnership with the Community of Friends, Clínica Romero addresses the healthcare needs of older homeless individuals in permanent housing. Offering recurring services to this demographic, the collaboration includes on-site drivers who play a pivotal role in picking up medications for the patients, further enhancing the accessibility of healthcare services.

Our fourth partnership with Councilmember Kevin de León, in Boyle Heights, at he Bailey Women’s Shelter is geared towards supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, providing a range of healthcare services similar to the other partnerships. A recent addition to this collaboration involves Clínica Romero’s provision of behavioral health services on a weekly basis.

As part of its commitment to immediate care, the clinic ensures on-the-spot medication availability and conducts TB tests for all four partnerships, reinforcing its dedication to comprehensive and accessible healthcare for diverse populations facing unique challenges in Los Angeles.

 

Homeless Count with Mayor Bass

Clínica Romero recently collaborated with the Office of Mayor Karen Bass in conducting a homeless count, an initiative undertaken in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). This annual point-in-time count, carried out over three days from January 23 to January 25, aimed to assess the number of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in specific sectors of the city. The data collected during this period is instrumental in helping the City and County determine the resources required to address the homelessness crisis effectively and ensure that no one is left without support on the streets.

The engagement in this initiative underscores Clínica Romero’s commitment to actively contribute to addressing the homelessness issue in Los Angeles. As part of the broader effort, the our Community Health Workers (CHWs) or Promotoras de Salud are actively participating in various initiatives and programs sponsored by the city. A team of four Promotoras joined the Office of Mayor Karen Bass and other partners in conducting a homeless count in the areas of Boyle Heights, Soto St., Cesar Chavez St., Marengo St., Malabar St., and First St. The collective goal is to use the information gathered during the homeless count to make informed, data-driven decisions that will guide strategies to combat homelessness. Last year’s collaborative efforts were successful in bringing thousands of people off the streets, and in 2024, the commitment to this vital work continues. This initiative is critical in delivering services precisely where they are needed most, aligning with Clínica Romero’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. We hope to continue fostering valuable partnerships that will help our organization in addressing the needs of these communities.

Mil Gracias!
Carlos Vaquerano
Chief Executive Officer

“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried”

– Saint Oscar A. Romero.