Celebrating a Living Legend: San Ysidro Health's Founding Mother, Mrs. Carmen Martinez, reaches 100 years

San Ysidro Health’s Founding Mother, Mrs. Carmen Martinez Reaches 100 Years

San Ysidro Health (SYHealth) owes its very existence to the unwavering dedication of an exceptional woman, Carmen Martinez. As the last surviving Founding Mother of SYHealth, Mrs. Martinez embodies the remarkable qualities of resilience, volunteerism, and selflessness. Even while working full-time and raising her seven children, she managed to initiate “El Club de Madres,” a group of like-minded mothers who shared a common vision: to bring healthcare to their community.

In the late 1960s, San Ysidro was predominantly an agricultural community that lacked access to adequate healthcare. With only one physician serving the area, the needs of the 7,000 residents were difficult to meet. Families, including Mrs. Martinez’s, had to endure hours of travel to receive medical care. However, through community support, unwavering fervor, and an indomitable spirit, the seven Founding Mothers, including Mrs. Martinez, established “La Casita.” This humble 4-bedroom white house, leased for a dollar, was equipped with donated equipment and staffed by three volunteer nurses and two physicians, providing care two afternoons a week. On average, approximately 40 children were seen each day.

Today, SYHealth is one of San Diego’s largest and most highly regarded nonprofit community health providers with a professional and dedicated workforce of over 2,700 members, 77% of whom are women. SYHealth is proud to deliver compassionate and innovative care to more than 145,000 patients. The organization operates through a comprehensive, integrated network of 50 program sites across San Diego County, including medical clinics, dental clinics, behavioral health centers, HIV centers, WIC nutrition centers, mobile medical units, schoolbased health centers, a teen clinic, a pediatric developmental clinic, a senior health center, a Program for AllInclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE); and, specialty care services such as allergy, acupuncture, rheumatology, podiatry, chiropractic, optometry, and cardiology. Furthermore, SYHealth has expanded its reach to provide essential care and support services in North County and Rural East County.

Donate $100 to Celebrate Carmen Martinez’s 100th Birthday!

To honor Mrs. Carmen Martinez’s 100th birthday and her legacy, supporters are encouraged to donate $100. Your contribution will help to continue providing essential healthcare services to those who need it most. Visit https://www.sandiegogives.org/organization/Sanysidrohealth to make your donation today.

Save the Date for Our 55th Anniversary Celebration!

Mark your calendars! SYHealth will be celebrating its 55th Anniversary at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The entire community is invited to the Emerald Ball as SYHealth commemorates its incredible history.