Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic Reaches 20,000 Patient Visits

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

July 07, 2025 — In just four and a half years of operation, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic has reached a major milestone—providing its 20,000th patient visit. Since its launch in January 2020, the Mobile Clinic has been delivering free, high-quality care to underserved areas across Monterey County, bringing culturally sensitive medical services to populations with challenges in accessing care.

“The impact of the Mobile Clinic has exceeded all of my early and hopeful expectations,” said Orlando Rodriguez, MD, Mobile Clinic Medical Director. “This milestone represents the phenomenal dedication of our team and is a testament to the deep commitment Salinas Valley Health demonstrates in increasing access to care for those in underserved areas.”

For many patients, a visit to the Mobile Clinic is their first encounter with a healthcare provider. The clinic offers preventive and primary care, simple urgent care, screenings, sports physicals, and women’s health services—free of charge. The Mobile Clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, medical assistant, community support coordinator, and community health advocate. The 40-foot vehicle is equipped with two exam rooms, Wi-Fi, lab capabilities, and educational tools.

“Our Mobile Clinic is a point of pride for everyone in our organization,” said Allen Radner, MD, Salinas Valley Health President/CEO. “It’s a visual reminder of our commitment to providing everyone in our community with quality care. We appreciate all of the partnerships and generous donations to our Foundation that help support this philanthropic work.”

Families accessing the Mobile Clinic are supported by community health advocates who connect them to essential services and help address social factors that influence health, such as food insecurity, housing, and transportation.

“When patients can’t afford blood pressure monitors or glucose kits, we provide them,” said Lynette Fitzgerald, Director of Community Benefit. “We also distribute food, grocery and gas cards, clothing, blankets, books, games, and toys. This work truly represents the deep breath of our efforts to help our community rise in good health.”

Initial funding for the $375,000 unit came from the Sally Hughes Church Foundation and the Salinas Valley Health Service League, with ongoing support from donors to the Salinas Valley Health Foundation.

The impressive 20,000 patient visit milestone comes just months after the Mobile Clinic team was honored with the Salinas Valley Health Team STAR Award in 2025, reflecting the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect.

To view the Mobile Clinic schedule and learn more, visit salinasvalleyhealth.com/mobileclinic.