In 2025, we celebrate 50 years of Virginia Garcia’s commitment to advancing health equity in our communities. As we reflect on five decades of impact, we also look ahead—building on the legacy of our founders to ensure access to health care for everyone. Join us in shaping the next 50 years of community-powered care.
Virginia Garcia’s story is one of resilience, community, and lasting impact. Her death was preventable—and it sparked a movement. Latine community activists and advocates had long been working to remove barriers to care for migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and her tragic passing became the catalyst for change.
This collective effort led to the opening of a clinic in her name, and today, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center serves over 52,000 patients a year across 18 clinics in Washington and Yamhill Counties. We invite you to explore this rich history, meet the people and moments that shaped our mission, and honor the legacy of a little girl whose life continues to inspire a healthier and more just future for all.
SHARING OUR STORY
Explore the Virginia Garcia: Fifty Years of Legacy and Impact in Our Community exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society. Running from May 2 through August 3, this special exhibit highlights five decades of culturally appropriate, community-led health care. We invite you to discover the story of Virginia Garcia’s enduring impact on our communities and the ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality care.
Make plans to visit and learn more about how, together, we have built a legacy of care that will last for generations.
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
MUSEUM HOURS
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
ADMISSION
Members
Multnomah County Residents
Adults
Students & Teachers (with ID)
Seniors (60+)
Youth (17 and under)
FREE
FREE
$14
$12
$12
FREE
Visit the OHS website for details on Accessible Admission Programs, and check with your local library to see if they offer a cultural pass, which provides free admission.
We would love to meet you at the exhibit! Reach out to our team to arrange a personal tour and learn more about how you can support Virginia Garcia’s mission and the continued impact of our work.
EXPANDING OUR REACH
For 50 years, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center has provided high-quality, culturally appropriate care to underserved communities in Washington and Yamhill counties. As we celebrate this milestone, we are launching our 50th Anniversary Campaign to expand our Mobile Health Program, which has been delivering essential care directly to our community for 40 years.
We aim to raise $1.5 million to support the expansion of our mobile clinics, which provide primary and dental care in accessible, trusted locations. Our goal is to reach more people where they live, work, and gather, ensuring that health care is always within reach.
Building Trust and Expanding Access
By bringing care directly to communities, we build trust and strengthen connections, ensuring people feel seen and supported. During the pandemic, our mobile units delivered COVID-19 education, screening, and vaccinations, further deepening our role as a trusted health provider.
Now, we are expanding our Mobile Health Program to operate year-round, offering more services and reaching deeper into rural areas. With plans to add a third mobile clinic and expand our care team, we will provide even greater access to care in areas with limited health services.
Looking to the Future
This expansion is a commitment to continue serving our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the care they deserve. As we celebrate 50 years, we invite you to join us in this mission. Your gift will help build a healthier future—one where high-quality, culturally appropriate care is available to all.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Portland Art Museum, Mark Building
SAVE THE DATE
For 50 years, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center has been a pillar of care, compassion, and community. ¡Prospera! embodies what we strive for—prosperity, success, and fairness for our patients, their families, and our community.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating this milestone anniversary and the profound impact we can make when we come together as a community. Save the date for a night of inspiration, connection, and commitment to the next 50 years of transformative health care.