We offer Influenza (Flu) vaccine for patients 6 months and older. Click here to call one of our clinics to schedule an appointment.

We offer COVID-19 vaccines and testing. Click here to schedule an appointment at our clinics, or click here to get vaccinated at one of our community vaccine clinics.

Community Health Services

Mission statement

The Community Health Services Department of Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our Salinas Valley community. Our team provides culturally, linguistically, patient-centered services that bridge different health and social service systems.

Who we are

Community Health Advocates play a huge role within healthcare. We address barriers to care and can support patients with insurance enrollment, food support and other social needs. We engage, educate, and empower our communities.

What is a community health advocate?

Community Health Advocates (CHA) are non-clinical workers who are the frontline agents of change by helping to reduce health disparities in underserved communities. CHA’s have a first-hand understanding of those they serve based on shared ethnicity, language and lived experiences. They serve as a link between the health system, social services and the community of Monterey county to facilitate access to services.

Meet Our Team

Our Community Health Services:

We help increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence and access to Monterey Country residents.

Click here to learn more about current community vaccine clinics.

Vaccination Clinics

Community Resources

Health Education

Community Development Activities

Medi-Cal Assistance Program

CareMessage

Erick Lopez

Community Health Services Director

I am currently the Community Health Services Director for Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas (CSVS). In 2009, I obtained my B.A from San Francisco State University with a double major in Social-Cultural Anthropology and Political Science. In the same year, I started working at CSVS as a medical assistant, and in 2011 was promoted to the position of manager. During my time as head of department, I have led multiple health campaigns and participated in multiple community committees. Additionally, I am a member of the Internal Review Board for CSVS.

Daniela Hernandez

Community Health Services Manager

My name is Daniela Hernandez, and my preferred pronouns are she, her, ella. Salinas became my home when my family moved here when I was three years old, and I feel fortunate to live surrounded by all the breathtaking sights in Monterey County. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s in Social Welfare and also have a Community Health Worker certification. My interest in Public Health began as an undergrad, and it has led me to my current role. Addressing the social determinants of health is essential to improving patients’ chronic health management and overall well being. I am passionate about reducing health disparities, especially for our community’s low-income and underserved populations. I come from an agricultural family, so working for an organization that strives to provide quality care for all patients, including the farmworker community, means a lot. In my free time, I love being out in nature, whether on the beach, hiking trails, or in my parent’s garden.

Patty Benitez

Community Health Services Supervisor

I was born and raised in Salinas, California and obtained my certification at Central Coast College. I like working at CSVS because I am motivated by our mission to improve the health of a population that faces many challenges. My organization’s primary mission is “dedicated to providing access to quality comprehensive health care to men, women and children with an emphasis on farm worker families and the agricultural community”. I fully embrace this mission, and in doing so, my goal is to highlight services through our outreach department: Food insecurity, utility assistance, Cancer education, and Medi-Cal application assistance. I love the work I do and find it incredibly fulfilling. I have always been passionate about helping others. I am someone who looks after others and enjoys helping people, rather than just helping myself. My job gives me the opportunity to do what I am passionate about. I also enjoy going to the movies with my family, going on walks, and baking.

Litzi Gutierrez

Community Health Advocate

I am from a small city called Greenfield, California. I was raised in Greenfield as well. I went to Central Coast College to start my career in medical assisting in July of 2019 and I finished and was certified by March of 2020. Fast forward to late August of 2021, I enrolled in the Monterey Community Health Worker Training. By April of 2022, I passed my exam and successfully completed the CHW training course. At CSVS, what I enjoy the most about working is the community. I enjoy going out to community events, meeting our patients, and providing information about resources. It feels good to serve the community who does so much for this country. Something I am passionate about is helping people out. We only have one planet earth and I think the best thing we can do is help each other out and make this planet a better place. Some of my hobbies include reading about the solar system and astrology, as well as listening to music. I also like hanging out with my cat, Kiki.

Florentina Sanchez

Community Health Advocate

My name is Florentina Sanchez, and I am a Community Health Advocate. I was born in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico, known as “La Doce,” and grew up in Greenfield, CA. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in Social work at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Working at CSVS fascinates me because it gives me the opportunity to be part of developing projects to delight the quality of services for the Mexican indigenous population. As a person whose first language is “Xna’ánj nu,” known as in Spanish Triqui of Copala, I am very passionate about working with the Native Mexican Community. Whenever I work with the community or communicate, I learn new ways of seeing the world. Outside work, I enjoy watching movies, walking, and spending time with my family.

Maira Ruiz

Community Health Advocate

I am currently a community health advocate at CSVS. I was born and raised in Watsonville, CA. I received my Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Southern California. I also obtained my Bachelor’s in Public Health at San Jose State University. Additionally, I earned two Associate’s degrees in Community Health and Kinesiology at Cabrillo College. I am passionate about health equity and reducing health disparities among susceptible populations. Ultimately, I look forward to creating a positive health impact and minimizing the health gap and barriers underserved communities face in obtaining care. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends in my spare time.

Cristian Padilla

Social Media Coordinator

I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Salinas, California. I
worked in the agricultural fields, planting and picking crops. I filmed
automotive events around Monterey County and learned social media
management online. I now work as a social media coordinator at
CSVS. I enjoy delivering positive health messages and am pursuing
an e-marketing degree in college.

Daniella Gonzalez

Social Media Coordinator

I was born and raised in Watsonville, California. I received my B.A in Business Marketing from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). After graduating, I knew I wanted to use my degree to help spread a message that would help the community I was raised in, grow. I have two years of social media marketing experience in the Santa Cruz/Monterey County community. I enjoy working with Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas because I am able to help make the community aware of resources and information they might not know are available to them. In my free time, I like trying new baking recipes and running outdoors.

David Cardenas

Street Medicine Outreach Coordinator

My name is David Cardenas, and I am currently the Street Medicine Outreach Coordinator. I was born and raised in the Salinas Valley. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s in Political Science. I then went on to obtain my certification as an EMT. CSVS’s mission revolves around helping those who are underrepresented, emphasizing agricultural families. I truly believe that I can stand behind that goal, coming from an agricultural family myself, and deliver the best services possible to those who need them the most. Whether it is someone who needs assistance reading a document in English, or someone without a home looking to receive care, being part of a dynamic team willing to cover those needs in an instant is what makes working here worth it and rewarding. My goal is to provide an efficient method of care delivery to those who are unsheltered whether insured or not and contribute to a future where everyone has access to medical care. Now in my free time, I like to spend time with my family, play basketball, obsess over “min-maxing” my workouts, and replaying Sekiro for the 1000th time. “Hesitation is Defeat.”

Adrian Mendoza

Medical Assistant

I was born in San Jose, California. My Parents are from Michoacan. I moved cities a lot as a kid, always keeping a positive mindset. One of the times I moved wasn’t planned, and my family and I had to stay in a homeless shelter. Regardless of our situation my family always managed to keep my head up and happy. I always had a promise in the back of my mind to make my parents as happy as they made me no matter what we were going through, they are my biggest driving factor. Being a part of the CSVS Street Medicine Team means a lot to me because of that reason being it focuses on care and support for the unhoused and less fortunate.

Milagros Hernandez

Social Media Coordinator

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA. I attended San Francisco State University and I received my bachelor’s in science, specifically biology with a concentration in physiology and a minor in Latinx studies. The CSVS outreach team is very welcoming and hardworking. We understand that we want the best for our patients and work together to do just that. I believe healthcare should be a right and not a privilege. I am very passionate about diminishing the health disparities that many underserved communities in the United States face. I aspire to be a physician and hope to one day be able to aid our communities in a place like CSVS. I enjoy going to the gym, watching Netflix, and spending time with friends and family in my free time.

Kasandra Escobar

Community Health Advocate

I was born and raised in Salinas, California. My Medical Assistant certification was obtained from Central Coast College in Salinas, followed by a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, Monterey Bay. I am also a certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist issued by the American College of Sports Medicine and National Physical Activity Society. My most recent certification earned is for a Community Health Worker which was obtained through the Monterey County Workforce Development Board.The numerous opportunities to engage with the community are one of the things I enjoy the most. I also work with an amazing team that makes everything we do possible. I am passionate about health and fitness. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle. It is important to me to set a positive example and help others make better decisions. Education plays a large role in creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I love to spend time with my family and staying active. Some of my favorite memories are hiking, exercising and traveling with them.

Victoria Cabrera

Community Health Advocate

My name is Victoria Cabrera and I am a Community Health Advocate for Clinica’s Community Health Services Department. I was born and raised in Salinas, CA. I have lived here my whole life and am very proud to call Salinas home. After graduating from Alisal High School, I attended the University of California, Los Angeles. I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Chicanx Studies. CSVS allows me to work on projects that will benefit the Salinas Valley while collaborating with a team of passionate and brilliant individuals. I love how united my team at CSVS is and how dedicated they all are to providing our patients and community with resources. The continuous effort of this team assures me that the work we are doing is necessary and meaningful. I am passionate about providing culturally competent care to underserved communities and growing public understanding of mental health. My mission in life is to continue to serve the Salinas Valley in any and every way that I can.

Miriam Juarez

Community Health Advocate

I am from Salinas, California. I obtained my Bachelor’s in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Every day is different with Outreach! Whether through health fairs, vaccine clinics, or health education sessions, meeting community members where they are — literally and metaphorically — is incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about bridging gaps in health literacy among low-income patients of color. Empowering our patients to take an active role in their healthcare is key to improving the health of generations to come. I enjoy long-distance running, knitting, and watching baking shows!

Mariela Bucio

Community Health Advocate

I was born and raised in a small community in Michoacán, México and immigrated with my family to Salinas, CA, at the age of 18. The first educational institution I attended in this country was Salinas Adult School. My time at this school allowed me to learn the English language and earned my High School Equivalency Diploma (GED). After this, I decided to pursue a higher education and enrolled at Hartnell College where I received my AA-T in Psychology. Then, I transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) where I graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures. My life experiences as an immigrant and my education have strengthened my desire to serve and advocate for the agricultural community. What I like working at CSVS is that this organization provides me with opportunities to serve and work directly with the farmworkers and their families. During my time at CSUMB, I volunteered as an ESL tutor at the Cesar Chavez Library. It was through this experience that developed a passion for teaching and learning new skills. I found inspiration in these students, which were mostly farmworkers. Despite a day of hard work in the fields, they arrived to class optimistic, energetic and ready to learn. In my free time, I enjoy baking, meditating, reading thriller and sci-fi fantasy books, caring for my two dogs, watching binge worthy shows like Big Bang Theory and spending time with family and friends.

We help increase covid 19 vaccine confidence and access to Monterey County residents.

Click here to learn more about current community vaccine clinics.

We help connect our patients to community resources, such as, but not limited to:

Food or meals
Housing or rent assistance
Employment
Financial Assistance
Health Insurance applications

Fresh Rx Program
This innovative partnership between CSVS and Everyone’s Harvest focuses on preventative health care to fight the rise of chronic diseases related to nutrition insecurity. It serves Castroville and Salinas patients who are highly susceptible to developing adverse health outcomes, especially those with chronic conditions and experiencing food insecurities. The program offers weekly $25-35 vouchers that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables at Castroville and Alisal’s Farmers Markets for 12-19 weeks. Program participants with diabetes also receive group educational sessions with one of our providers once a month. To be eligible for the program, participants must be established patients of one of our CSVS clinics and have an elevated A1C. Additional requirements include being a Central California Alliance for Health member and having a nutritional deficiency.

ALCANCE study
This partnership between CSVS and Stanford University aims to improve access to cancer screening and prevention using community health workers (CHW’s) to meet the needs of Latino adults in Monterey County. Community health workers provide health education on a variety of cancer topics including:

Diet and exercise for cancer prevention
Strategies for reducing cancer risk
Screening assessments and recommended timelines
Family history and genetic testing

Our team is involved in health fairs, events, community presentations and workshops.

The Community Health Services Department is dedicated to helping patients and community members access the vital healthcare resources they need. By providing assistance with applying for Medi-Cal, offering support throughout the application process, and guiding individuals through the submission of necessary documents via the Medi-Cal portal, we strive to empower our community and promote health and well-being for all.

CareMessage is a system that uses text messaging to improve the health outcomes of patients at Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas. Its primary objective is to increase patient accessibility and communication. It also aims to drive efficiency while reducing the number of missed office visits and increasing appointment confirmations. CareMessage sends appointment reminders, alerts about available community programs, and appointment suggestions for necessary services.

Community Health Services

Mission statement

Who we are

What is a community health advocate?

Meet Our Team

Erick Lopez

Daniela Hernandez

Patty Benitez

Litzi Gutierrez

Florentina Sanchez

Maira Ruiz

Cristian Padilla

Daniella Gonzalez

David Cardenas

Adrian Mendoza

Milagros Hernandez

Kasandra Escobar

Victoria Cabrera

Miriam Juarez

Mariela Bucio

Our Community Health Services:

Vaccination Clinics

Community Resources

Health Education

Community Development Activities

Medi-Cal Assistance Program

CareMessage

A FTCA Deemed Facility

Quick Links

Locations

Erick Lopez

Community Health Services Director

Daniela Hernandez

Community Health Services Manager

Patty Benitez

Community Health Services Supervisor

Litzi Gutierrez

Community Health Advocate

Florentina Sanchez

Community Health Advocate

Maira Ruiz

Community Health Advocate

Cristian Padilla

Social Media Coordinator

Daniella Gonzalez

Social Media Coordinator

David Cardenas

Street Medicine Outreach Coordinator

Adrian Mendoza

Medical Assistant

Milagros Hernandez

Social Media Coordinator

Kasandra Escobar

Community Health Advocate

Victoria Cabrera

Community Health Advocate

Miriam Juarez

Community Health Advocate

Mariela Bucio

Community Health Advocate

Always With You!