Safety Net Clinic Coalition

The Safety Net Clinic Coalition (SNCC) forms the cornerstone of HIP’s work to improve health outcomes and access for Santa Cruz County residents who receive care through publicly-funded programs, such as Medi-Cal, and the uninsured. The Safety Net of Santa Cruz County aims to be a comprehensive, well-coordinated system of high-quality, affordable care with an easily accessible medical home for all low-income residents. The system balances the clinical and organizational strengths of each safety net partner and leverages available dollars to ensure maximum stability.

HIP convenes quarterly meetings with two groups representing the safety net: Safety Net Clinic Coalition (SNCC) and Safety Net Clinic Coalition Medical Directors (SNCC MD). Operational and medical clinic leaders work collaboratively through SNCC and SNCC MD to develop solutions to address common challenges, share expertise and best practices, and improve quality of care.

National Health Center Week 2026 Celebrating Through Partnership

The Safety Net Clinic Coalition (SNCC) is celebrating National Health Center Week 2026 through collaborative events that highlight the importance of accessible, community-centered care.

On Friday, August 7, from 3:00–5:00 pm, SNCC member organizations will partner with Community Bridges for the WIC Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair at Community Bridges Plaza (18 W. Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA). Where community members will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore health resources, and celebrate the vital role community health centers play in improving health and well-being.

Participating SNCC member organizations include Salud Para La Gente, Dientes Community Dental, Janus of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, and Encompass Community Services, will be on site alongside other local community organizations.

As part of the week’s celebration, Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) will also host its longstanding Friday Food Distribution from 3:00–4:00 pm at the Live Oak Health Center (1510 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz). Community members are encouraged to stop by for fresh food and to learn more about the programs and services available through their local community health center.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of community health centers and the partnerships that help strengthen the health of our community.

Safety Net Clinic Coalition Resource Directory

The Safety Net Clinic Coalition (SNCC) Resource Directory connects community members with trusted local health care providers committed to providing quality, accessible health care services for our community. The directory features SNCC member organizations, including Salud Para La Gente, Santa Cruz Community Health, Santa Cruz County Health Centers, Dientes Community Dental, Janus of Santa Cruz, and Encompass Community Services, that work together to ensure everyone has access to comprehensive, affordable care. Explore the directory to find primary care, dental services, behavioral health support, substance use treatment, and other essential community resources.

Bilingual SNCC Resource Directory

Mission

The Optimum Safety Net System of Care Will:

Prioritize primary and preventive care services in order to improve quality, improve the patient experience, and reduce costs.
Coordinate care effectively across levels of treatment: primary care, specialty care, inpatient, skilled care, and rehabilitation.
Provide culturally competent care.
Build a county-wide quality improvement system to track health outcomes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Use electronic health records to work toward connectivity to other health care and community-based organizations to promote integrated care management and active referrals for hospital, specialty, and community-based care.
Respond to the ever-changing needs of the communities and residents served.
Provide patient choice of both public and private providers.
Address access on a county-wide, geographic basis.

SNCC Members

Santa Cruz Community Health
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Santa Cruz County HSA – Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Clinics
Dientes Community Dental
Salud Para La Gente
Dignity Health Dominican Hospital
Janus of Santa Cruz
Encompass Community Services

SNCC 5-Year Impact Report 2017-2021

This comprehensive 5-Year Impact Report highlights the collective achievements of the Safety Net Coalition in expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, and advancing equity for underserved communities in Santa Cruz County from 2017 to 2021.

Full Report Here

SNCC 5-Year Impact Report 2012-2016

This Five-Year Impact Report showcases the expansion, innovation, and compassionate care delivered by the Safety Net Clinic Coalition from 2012 to 2016, highlighting how its member organizations significantly increased access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services for over 90,000 underserved residents in Santa Cruz County.

Full Report Here