From Dreams to Action
La Clinica de la Raza and the Fight for Salud Para Todxs
February 6th, 2025
The event ‘From Dreams to Action La Clinica de la Raza and the Fight for Salud Para Todxs’ was a way to bring together the community and 3 notable activists who worked together not long ago to create La Clinica de la raza. This clinic is a community health center that provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and wellness services to underserved populations, primarily Latinx and immigrant communities, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their focus is on culturally competent, affordable healthcare for low-income and uninsured individuals. Participating in this panel were some of La Clinica’s founders Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, Jose Joel Garcia (JD), and Dr. Roberto Vargas. This activist recognized when their community needed help and stepped up to create the necessary change. Their efforts have grown since then and they have been able to help thousands of people receive the necessary care they deserve. This event was an important way to reflect on the struggles they faced when trying to create equitable healthcare and allowed community members to learn from their experiences. They touched on topics such as funding issues and remembering when couldn’t make rent or survive off of limited food but still continued because they knew they could make an impact. They also talked about the importance of community-centered care and involving community members in everyday operations and care. This allows fro the community to become more open with the center and create a sense of trust. 
Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista
He is a professor at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health and director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC). His research highlights Latino health disparities and challenges misconceptions, advocating for policy changes to improve healthcare access. A UC Berkeley graduate with a Ph.D. in Medical Sociology from UCSF, his work has been influenced by the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He is known for his research on the Latino Epidemiological Paradox and has authored several books. He helped found La Clinica and has become a leading voice in Latino health equity, he continues to mentor future scholars and influence healthcare policy. Jose Joel Garcia JD
He is an advocate for Chicano rights, education, and community health. As a student at UC Santa Barbara in the late 1960s, he co-founded the United Mexican American Students (UMAS) and played a key role in establishing Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA), both of which advanced Chicano rights and educational opportunities. He was instrumental in the creation of the Chicano Studies program at UCSB, addressing educational disparities and promoting culturally relevant curricula. García help found La Clinica and later served as the Executive Director of the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center (TVHC) in Union City, California, for over two decades, expanding healthcare services for underserved communities in Alameda County. Dr. Roberto Vargas
Is a dedicated advocate for Latino health and social justice. In the early 1970s, he helped bring new health services to La Clínica de La Raza in Oakland, California. He recognizes the need for accessible healthcare in underserved communities to break generational issues. He was instrumental in establishing the clinic's mental health services, and addressing critical gaps in care. Beyond his work with La Clínica, Dr. Vargas has served as Principal Consultant at New World Associates, focusing on community health initiatives“You’re all a critical mass; you are a critical group that goes ahead with your thinking with what you want accomplished .”
Jose Joel Garcia, JD
“Oddly enough, we find our voice best in times of trouble, in times of crisis; that’s when we know who we really are.”
Dr. Hayes-Bautista
“We are creators...we are forming the creative medicine that our society needs today.”
Dr. Roberto Vargas
Q& A
During this portion of the event, students and community members could ask about anything that interested them. Lots of questions surrounded the future of the United States and how to remain hopeful during times of such uncertainty. The panelist reminded us that this is what the opposition wants. They want us to be discouraged but we cannot give in. Now is the time to push the hardest and create the change we need. They also shared how hopeful they are but seeing recent protests and the motivation from the public to resist these ideals. They believe in the new generation and their ability to continue all the work they started.