La Clínica del Pueblo has been serving the Latino community and others in need for 25 years.

 La Clínica del Pueblo was founded in 1983 in response to the growing medical and mental health care needs of Salvadoran and other Central American refugees escaping their warn-torn countries during the 1980s. For many of these refugees, getting access to any type of medical care was nearly impossible due the cultural and language barriers that come with immigrating to another country. La Clínica was started in the midst of this need in a one-room clinic, one night per week, by a volunteer doctor.

Despite its brief hours of operation during its initial days, La Clínica was always full of patients who would brave the cold of winter and the heat of summer because this was the only place where they felt comfortable and where they were treated with respect and dignity.

Our services are offered in a newly renovated, state-of-the-art clinic located at the crossroads of the Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. In 2007, we provided 7,500 clients with over 55,000 culturally appropriate health services. A staff of almost 80 employees coordinates over 100 volunteers, the majority of whom are bilingual and all of whom are culturally competent.

With the tireless efforts of Marcia Bernbaum, PhD, a deeper appreciation for this health center made of the people, for the people, is now at hand. In December Bernbaum completed a comprehensive case study of La Clínica's long and colorful history. The study measures the impacts of La Clínica's approach and services on the community, identifies the center's strengths and challenges, and discusses lessons gleaned from 25 years of service. The study also focuses on pinpointing La Clínica's "essence," or those characteristics that compose its unique identity.

The staff members of La Clínica are proud of their roots and excited for their future. They invite you to read about their incredible story.

Case Study - Reference Document

Case Study - Summary