Clínica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero is hosting its 41st Anniversary Gala tonight where it will also present its Health Equity Award to John Baackes, the CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. Carlos Vaquerano, the CEO of the federally qualified health center (FQHC), says Baackes has shown exemplary leadership in the health industry and unwavering commitment to the underserved in Los Angeles. He says support from Baackes and L.A. Care has contributed to the elevation of the clinic’s services in the communities it serves.
Inspired by the legacy and tradition of Monseñor (now Saint) Oscar A. Romero, a prelate of the Catholic Church in El Salvador, Clínica Romero was founded in 1983 by Salvadoran refugees and their allies, including volunteer physicians and nurses. Their mission was to improve accessibility and coordination of primary care for families, regardless of their ability to pay. In the past year, it has provided more than 75,000 medical, dental, behavioral health, and optometry visits. Tonight’s gala is also a fundraiser to help the clinic continue to provide no-cost or low-cost comprehensive primary care and disease prevention services to low-income residents.
In addition to honoring Baackes tonight, the clinic will present its Legacy Award to Deborah Villar, the President and CEO of Via Care, another FQHC serving vulnerable communities in Los Angeles County. David Green, President of SEIU Local 721, the largest public sector union in Southern California, will receive the clinic’s Social Justice Award.