Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH), a leading nonprofit provider of high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a fundraising gala at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Since its founding, SCCH has remained committed to health care as a human right and has continuously worked to advocate for social, political and economic equality. At this milestone event, SCCH will honor its history, celebrate its achievements, and look forward to a future of continued service and advocacy.

Staff at a Latinx in Public Health Panel hosted in partnership with UCSC’s El Centro. Credit: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center

“As we reflect on our past, we also look toward the future with renewed determination,” said Board Chair, Julio Porro, MD. “Our focus remains steadfast on advocating for women’s rights and autonomy, including full-scope reproductive health.”

The 50th anniversary event, “50 Years of Fierce Care – Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future,” will feature keynote speakers, a sit-down dinner and a no-host bar.

Featured Speakers:

  • Diana Greene Foster, PhD, a demographer, professor at UC San Francisco and author of “The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, A Thousand Women and the Consequences of Having – or Being Denied – an Abortion” 
  • Judith A. Houck, Department Chair and Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies, and History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of “Looking Through the Speculum: Feminist Health, 1969-2010”
Staff celebrating the SCCH 50th Anniversary at their annual Staff Summer Celebration. Credit: Kevin Painchaud

“As we step into our next chapter, we carry the legacy of five decades and the promise of generations to come. We won’t lose momentum. We’re ready to serve more individuals in our community, embrace new ways of providing care, and fight for health equity. Join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary!” SCCH CEO Anita Aguirre, MPH, said.

Proceeds from the event will help to sustain the delivery of high-quality patient care, regardless of ability to pay.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $150. Sponsorships are also available. Learn more: https://www.schealthcenters.org/50th-anniversary-celebration/

Get your tickets NOW!  

About Santa Cruz Community Health:

Through the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center, Santa Cruz Mountain Health Center and our new Live Oak Health Center, Santa Cruz Community Health (a Federally Qualified Health Center) provides comprehensive primary care services in English and Spanish to all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities and sexual orientation, regardless of their ability to pay. Seeded by the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center in 1974, SCCH has maintained a 50-year commitment to its mission: to improve the health of its patients and the community and advocate the feminist goals of social, political, and economic equality. SCCH’s health centers serve over 12,000 patients through a dedicated staff of medical providers, nurses, licensed clinical social workers, health educators, and administrative personnel.