EL CAJON, Calif. — The top healthcare official in the United States is in San Diego Friday as part of the Department of Health and Human Services Latino Health Tour.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra plans to share what the Biden Administration is doing to improve the lives of those in our Latino community.
The goal is to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to care for our underserved or ethnically diverse communities.
Becerra's visit comes during the same week La Maestra Community Health Centers opened a new clinic Thursday in El Cajon.
"Today is really an awesome day. This is our 22nd licensed site," Zara Marselian said, who is the CEO of La Maestra.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, who helped secure funding for the project, said "This new and improved center will be life-changing for El Cajon." She added, "The U.S. could actually save $67 billion every year if everyone used a primary care doctor as their principle source of care."
La Maestra says the new clinic will expand access to high quality primary and specialty care as well as social and behavioral services.
"We also do immigration assistance, human trafficking assistance, youth development and we have a food pantry," Marselian added.
For decades, their focus has been on people who are either low-income or don't have any insurance at all. For example, they serve a large portion of our immigrant, refugee and homeless population.
In 2023, clinic data showed 77% of patients identify as a racial or ethnic minority – so with communication sometimes being a hindrance to care, they pride themselves on providing services in 60 different languages.
"We can be the medical home for populations that are in need. That's our mission to help people achieve well being," Marselian said.
Much of this will be the same focus of the Latino Health Tour. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra kicked it off this week in Florida and will be at San Diego State on Friday. Becerra says the Biden Administration is committed to improving the lives of Latinos and all who are underserved.
One idea is to expand access and equity in clinical trials – because currently, cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic Americans.
Watch Related: Preview of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's visit to San Diego as a new community clinic opens in El Cajon (Apr 4, 2024)