Celebrating Our Health Center Workforce
National Health Center Week:
Brought to you by Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County (HIP) & Safety Net Clinic Coalition (SNCC)
August 6-12, 2023
National Health Center Week (NHCW) celebrates and increases awareness of the mission, resilience, and accomplishments of Community Health Centers across the nation. Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future.
Nationally, health centers provide comprehensive healthcare services to more than 30 million patients across 14,500 communities annually. In Santa Cruz County, health centers serve 1 in 3 residents.
This year, Santa Cruz County joins thousands of communities across the nation in celebrating NHCW by recognizing the dedication and talent of our local health center workforce.
Join the Mission!
Explore health center careers
Click on a graphic in the slide show to view each center's career opportunities.
Meet our health center staff!
Perla Gonzalez
Capitola Road Clinic Manager
7 years with Dientes Community Dental
“The best part of my job is being able to help my staff grow by developing their skills, feeling comfortable, and pushing them to achieve their goals; and being able to be a part of our patients’ dental journey! I’m grateful to have a rewarding job that not only allows me to mentor my staff, but also to ensure our community has a dental home that is comforting and inviting!
My advice for someone interested in either dental or management is, go for it and don’t be afraid! What has helped me be successful in my career is not letting my fears get in the way of applying for the promotion and being open minded to change.”
Andres Galvan, CADC II, SUDCC II
Mental Health Client Specialist
4 years with the Santa Cruz County Watsonville Health Center
“I really love being able to make a difference in people's lives and watching them make the transformation to a better living lifestyle, whether its addressing substance use disorders, homelessness or any other medical disorder one is working on addressing. I also love working with my team to make a difference on a daily basis. Give yourself the opportunity to be a part of the solution by making the difference in another human’s life. It is a very rewarding career and with it comes a great deal of accomplishments.”
Dulce Escobar, PA-C
Advanced Practice Clinician, Pediatrics
1 year with Salud Para La Gente
“I love caring for members of the same community that I was raised in. I feel honored to be able to care for patients that I can relate to and connect with due to my background. Find something you are passionate about and never give up. Ask for help/advice/mentoring. If it is something you truly desire and are passionate about, it will be all worth it in the end!”
Vanessa Randall
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
6 months with Janus of Santa Cruz
“I love being part of the solution not part of the problem. Seeing people begin to believe in themselves and succeed in life is a beautiful transformation. No matter what the situation may be, lead with empathy.”
Lorena Gonzalez
Head Start Child and Family Development Program’s Education Manager
32 years with Encompass Community Services
I have been at Encompass Community Services 32 years and I continue to be amazed at the level of commitment and support our staff have for our clients. When I came to Head Start, I was happily surprised to see how families were given resources, encouragement, training, and the confidence to empower themselves to be advocates for their success. This empowerment has also been modeled to me as an employee. I have been given many opportunities to provide input into decision-making and procedures and truly grow within the organization.
As someone who has been in the agency for many years, my main piece of advice is to embrace change and be open to learning. Encompass is such a great place to work if you want to change the world one step at a time. I continue to apply all of the learning from my job to my personal life as well.”
Rose Lovell, MD
Site Medical Director and Family Physician
1.5 years with Santa Cruz Community Health
“It is a true honor to provide medical care in the town I grew up in! I love helping people maximize their wellbeing through all phases of life. Good mentorship makes the path easier. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and see if they have time for a cup of coffee together.”
