#United States #Health Equity #Santa Clara Family Health Plan #Gilroy #Gilroy Community Resource Center

Santa Clara Family Health Plan Opens New Community Resource Center in Gilroy

After a thorough process of planning and community engagement spanning over three years, the Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) has unveiled its South County Community Resource Center (CRC) located at 150 Leavesley Road, Gilroy. This is SCFHP's second CRC, complementing the existing Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center in East San José.

The South County CRC is the fruit of significant collaboration, built alongside the community’s input through SCFHP's Resident Advisory Group, local organizations, and the SCFHP Governing Board. Each step—from initial listening sessions to the final design—was influenced by the voices of the South County residents. This center represents a major effort to enhance health equity, alleviate disparities, and bolster access to care and supportive services in the area.

Christine M. Tomcala, CEO of SCFHP, expressed the importance of this new facility during the opening ceremony held on January 28, 2026. “At a time marked by rapid changes in the Medi-Cal program, many local individuals and families feel overwhelmed by the healthcare landscape. The South County CRC is set to provide in-person support, trusted health education, and vital resources to residents of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin, as well as over 20,000 SCFHP members in the community,” she stated.

The Community Resource Center operates from Monday to Friday, between 9 AM and 5 PM, offering a wide range of free services that include:

• - Assistance with applications for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and Covered California
• - Referrals to essential resources for food, housing, and healthcare
• - Access to SCFHP’s customer service for local inquiries
• - Health and exercise classes tailored to community needs

Moreover, the CRC serves as an inclusive venue available for community-based organizations and local agencies. These partners can reserve space to conduct workshops and classes centered on health.

The inauguration of this center was met with enthusiasm from local leaders, including Vice President Sylvia Arenas of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, who highlighted the long-standing barriers faced by South County residents in accessing healthcare. “This center not only bridges access gaps but also represents a collective commitment to improving health equity in our community,” she noted.

The SCFHP community open house event, scheduled for February 7, invites all residents to explore the resources available at the CRC. More information about the event and services can be found on their official website: www.crc.scfhp.com.

Santa Clara Family Health Plan, established in 1997, is a community-based health plan dedicated to enhancing health and wellness through equitable, high-quality healthcare access across Santa Clara County. Currently, SCFHP cares for over 295,000 individuals through various health programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to providing exceptional service and supporting community needs. For additional details, visit www.scfhp.com.

The SCFHP South County Community Resource Center opened its doors in 2026, standing as a symbol of hope, unity, and well-being for residents of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin. This facility is poised to transform the local health landscape and make a lasting impact on the community's most vulnerable populations.