Safety Net Clinic Coalition Five Year Impact Report For over ten years, Trina Mendez suffered from chronic toothaches that tormented her with persistent pain and forced her to hide her smile. Even after becoming eligible for Medicare, dental visits remained unaffordable. It was not until Trina experienced a dental emergency that she was able to receive treatment from Dientes Community Dental. Trina was one of the tens of thousands of Santa Cruz County residents who benefited

Every year HIP surveys its Board of Directors regarding their view of HIP’s role and purpose. One comment on the survey noted that HIP had not “yet pivoted to the post-election apocalypse.” With the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act, health care in Santa Cruz is in a state of uncertainty. With the looming political and financial turmoil facing many Council participants, HIP decided to open the floor to discuss in what ways HIP might pivot. As a neutral convener, man

HIP began 2016 with a new strategic plan that reflects the priorities of the HIP Council participants. This shifting focus to the social determinants of health was highlighted by emerging programs, such as Health Homes and High Utilizer Group (HUGS), as well as the March Community Forum. These programs have a simple message: housing is health care. With the help of Monica Martinez of Encompass Community Services, Dori Rose Inda of Salud Para La Gente and Henry Martin of the W