One Community Health celebrates 40 years with block party, foundation launch

What began in 1986 as La Clínica del Cariño, a small health center created to serve local farmworkers and their families, has grown into a regional healthcare organization providing integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 30,000 patients throughout Hood River and Wasco Counties in Oregon and Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington.

"Forty years ago, community members saw a need and came together to create something extraordinary," said Jennifer Griffith, chief executive officer of One Community Health. "This celebration is about honoring the people who built that foundation and looking ahead to the next 40 years of caring for our neighbors."

With rising healthcare labor and supply costs, more people losing Medicaid and Marketplace insurance, and fewer federal and state grants, OCH is launching the Foundation to fund the care that the community needs but that is not always covered.

“Our health center has spent over 40 years showing up for the people and places the traditional system doesn’t reach — services like mobile clinic visits, support for new mothers, emergency care for those without dental insurance,” continued Griffith. “The Foundation exists to fund that work going forward. This is neighbors helping neighbors. It’s the kind of support our community needs now more than ever. This week we’re excited to be celebrating both our 40-year history and what the future hold for OCH.”

Guests at the Block Party can look forward to an afternoon filled with live music, dance, family fun, food vendors, and opportunities to learn more about OCH and its history. Activities for kids include crafting with Fruit Loops Art Center, face painting with A Podful of Pediatrics, the Hood River Library Bookmobile, and stuffed animal urgent care, where OCH staff will bandage up any stuffed animals needing some TLC. Local artisans will be selling hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, and food. Many community partners are also joining the event with interactive experiences for kids and adults. OCH departments will likewise share information about services and host activities and tours.

The event will feature performances by Mid Valley Elementary’s Folklorico dancers, Los Amigos de la Sierra, Trayecto Efectivo, and the Torito del Petate, a cultural tradition from Michoacan. Jen Sotolongo, a local dance fitness instructor, will be leading the popular bilingual Baila sin Parar dance pop-up. Local food vendors Sunrise Juice, The Cart Co., and Fati’s Sweet Treats will be on site, and the first 400 attendees will receive a free taco from T-Quito Hambre and a free churro from Rosa’s Churros.

About One Community Health

Founded in 1986 as La Clínica del Cariño, One Community Health is a nonprofit federally qualified health center dedicated to providing high-quality, integrated healthcare for all. Today, the organization serves more than 30,000 patients annually through medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and community health programs across the Columbia River Gorge.