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Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center Opens New Clinics

Last Sunday’s Oregonian published my photo of Alberto Garcia, father of Virginia Garcia, namesake for clinics that provide high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others with barriers to receiving health care.

Mr. Garcia, 83, visited Oregon for the first time in almost 30 years to celebrate the opening of the latest clinic in Hillsboro. He is pictured with her daughter Alma, who accompanied Mr. Garcia on the trip. Both live in Mission, Texas.



In 1975, 6-year-old Virginia Garcia died of complications from a minor foot wound. There was a lack of cultural and language appropriate medical services that resulted in her death. The Hispanic and medical communities came together after the incident to enable access to health care among underserved people in the community. In July 1975, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center -- then situated in a converted three-car garage – opened its doors to the public.

In 2006, the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is proud to open new clinics in Hillsboro and McMinnville. In more than 30 years’ of operation, the focus of the center has remained the same: to provide quality health care to the medically, with an emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, VGMHC will celebrate the opening of its newest clinic at 115 NE May Lane in McMinnville. The public is invited for a clinic open house at 4 to 5:30 p.m.; snacks and refreshments will be provided.

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