May 2025 Newsletter
Message from the CEO
Dear SCFHC Community,
As we move through the month of May, we are reminded of the importance of care, connection, and compassion. This season brings a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to reflect on the values at the heart of our mission – delivering accessible, high-quality care to the communities we are proud to serve.
Earlier this month, we honored the mothers and caregivers who shape our lives. I extend a heartfelt thank you to the many caregivers in our community and hope you had a joyful Mother’s Day. Whether you are a mother, a maternal figure, or someone who uplifts and supports others, your care makes a lasting impact both at work and beyond.
This month’s newsletter highlights just a few of the ways our team continues to care for our community. From honoring our dedicated Patient Services Representatives, to welcoming new board members who will help guide our work, we’re proud of the people behind our mission. We also share highlights from our recent advocacy efforts, including Day at the Capitol, where we met with policymakers to elevate the voices and experiences of our patients and staff.
May is also National Mental Health Month, a powerful reminder that health includes emotional well-being. At SCFHC, we remain committed to supporting the mental health of our patients and encouraging open, compassionate conversations about care and healing.
Thank you for being part of the SCFHC community. Your trust and partnership continue to inspire our work and strengthen our shared commitment to health and wellness for all.
Sincerely,
Genevieve Filmardirossian
Chief Executive Officer
SCFHC Advocates at 2025 CPCA Day at the Capitol
SCFHC proudly joined health center leaders and advocates from across California for the 2025 California Primary Care Association (CPCA) Day at the Capitol in Sacramento. This annual event brings together community health centers to engage directly with state lawmakers, highlighting the critical role health centers play in delivering high-quality, affordable care to communities.
Representing SCFHC were CEO Genevieve Filmardirossian and Government Relations Specialist Mark Melendez. Together, they met with the legislators and staff who represent SCFHC’s 11 sites across Los Angeles County. Their discussions focused on several urgent policy priorities, including:
Protecting and Preserving California’s Medi-Cal Program
Investing in workforce training programs and loan repayment programs
Funding for health enrollment navigators
Participating in CPCA’s Day and the Capitol underscores SCFHC’s ongoing commitment to advocacy as a key pillar of our mission. By engaging directly with lawmakers, we ensure that the voices of our patients, staff, and communities are heard at the highest levels of government.
We thank CPCA for organizing this impactful event!
SCFHC Welcomes New Board Member
This month, we are excited to welcome two new members to the SCFHC Board of Directors: Harsh P. Parikh and Miguel Salvador Ramirez. Both bring extensive legal expertise that will strengthen our board’s capacity and insight.
Miguel has over 20 years of legal experience, having worked with top national firms and advised a wide range of clients across industries. Harsh brings deep knowledge in health care law, counseling both public and private organizations on business arrangements involving health plans, providers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Their combined experience will be a tremendous asset to our mission and growth.
Did you know that the SCFHC board is made up of 11 dedicated members from a variety of professional backgrounds? Their insights and recommendations help guide our leadership team in making informed decisions that support our mission and strengthen our impact in the community.
Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Harsh and Miguel.
SCFHC Participates in Health Center Roundtable with Congresswoman Linda Sánchez
SCFHC was honored to participate in Congresswoman Linda Sánchez recent health center roundtable. The Congresswoman convened community health providers from across her district to hear directly about the challenges clinics are facing as they work to care for patients in the community.
During the discussion, Dr. Hakim, SCFHC’s Associate Medical Director, highlighted the growing needs of our pediatric patients and their families, emphasizing the critical role federal funding plays in helping children reach key developmental and medical milestones. He spoke about the long-term consequences that gaps in early care can have on a child’s health, educational outcomes, and overall well-being.
One of the most pressing topics discussed was the potential impact of proposed Medicaid cuts. Genevieve Filmardirossian, SCFHC’s CEO, stressed that such cuts to Medicaid would severely limit access to care and lead to more patients relying on emergency rooms instead of community health centers, where they can receive preventative and comprehensive care.
We thank Congresswoman Sánchez for her continued leadership, and for standing with health centers in the fight to protect Medicaid and ensure access to care for all!
Where Every Visit Begins: Spotlight on our PSR Team
Behind every visit to our clinics is a team that greets our patients with compassion and care. This month, we’re proud to shine a light on a team whose work sets the tone for every patient experience.
As one of the first points of contact for our patients, the PSR team plays a vital role in shaping how individuals feel the moment they walk through our doors. Their professionalism, empathy, and efficiency help ensure our clinics operate smoothly and patients feel welcomed and cared for.
We asked a few team members to share what makes the PSR team at SCFHC stand out.
“We create an environment where patients feel valued and supported from start to finish,” — Jacqueline Villalobos
“What makes the PSR team special at SCFHC is our everyday problem-solving abilities. We analyze issues in a fast-paced environment to help ensure smooth clinic operations.”— Crystal Mendoza
“I think the PSR team makes SCFHC special because we are the first point of contact when the patients walk in. We ensure that the patients feel welcome, we listen and help those patients with any needs or concerns. We monitor the front office flow and providers schedule, and we ensure proper and timely process of patients.” – Evelyn Aguirre
Their words show what makes SCFHC’s front desk team special. Thank you to our PSRs for being the welcoming faces that help patients feel at home.
National Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. We know that each mental health journey is unique, with different techniques and methods used to support healing and growth.
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we provide peer support, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and mental health care regardless of a person’s ability to pay. By bringing awareness, we help build understanding and create a safe space for people to seek support.
We spoke with SCFHC Behavioral Health Director, Gillian Bieler, about Behavioral Health Services and the stigma behind mental health. We asked her, “What do you wish more people understood about mental health and therapy?”
“Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It’s beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their self-awareness, gain better coping skills, or simply explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe space. I think there’s a stigma that therapy is only for people with serious mental health conditions, but everyone can benefit from it, no matter where they are on their mental health journey.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, support is available, and SCFHC is here to support you every step of the way.
A Mother’s First Steps with Support from CPSP
We had the opportunity to speak with Zuleyma, one of our Maternal Health patients, who was eager to share her experience as a first-time mom. Filled with excitement for this new chapter, Zuleyma is focusing on the many milestones ahead. Though she admits that the journey can be stressful at times, she has found comfort and support through our Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP).
With no family nearby in Los Angeles, Zuleyma looks to the CPSP team for support throughout her first pregnancy. Whenever she has questions or concerns, she turns to Florita Arellano, who has become a trusted source of support during her pregnancy. We thank our CPSP program, who continue to provide essential care, comfort, and support to moms when they need it most.
In the Community with All People’s Community Center
Recently, we had the opportunity to partner with All Peoples Community Center to provide oral health screenings to the community. All Peoples serves as a vital resource in South Los Angeles, offering a wide range of services including youth and senior programs, food security, counseling, and workforce development. Their mission to empower individuals and strengthen families aligns closely with our own.
At SCFHC, we believe it’s essential to be present in the community, offering much-needed services like these screenings. Our collaboration with All Peoples Community Center reflects our shared commitment to improving health and well-being in the neighborhoods we serve.
Kudos Corner
Every day, our providers go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to our patients. In this month’s Kudos Corner, we’re sharing some of the wonderful feedback we’ve received from patients. Thank you to our incredible providers for your hard work!
SCFHC Service Snapshot
We offer a range of services to all community members regardless of their ability to pay. In April 2025, SCFHC had a total of 16,636 patient visits, including 12,679 primary care visits, 660 behavioral health visits, 1,847dental visits, and 585 vision visits. These numbers reflect SCFHC’s ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare to the community.
