SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County School Boards Association has honored the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic with its prestigious “Excellence in Education” Award, recognizing the program’s impact on student health and academic success across the region.
The Mobile Clinic was selected from more than three dozen nominees submitted by school districts throughout Monterey County and was formally recognized during the association’s annual dinner and organizational meeting March 27 at Hartnell Community College.
“This recognition reflects the direct connection between health and a student’s ability to learn and thrive,” said Orlando Rodriguez, chief medical officer for Salinas Valley Health and medical director of the Mobile Clinic. “By meeting families where they are, we are removing barriers to care and supporting healthier, more successful futures for the communities we serve.”
Launched in January 2020, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic delivers free healthcare services directly to underserved communities, operating six days a week at schools and community sites in Salinas, Greenfield and beyond. The program also partners with the Food Bank for Monterey County to provide food distribution three days each week.
“The MCSBA was deeply impressed by the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic’s strong collaboration with our school communities and its commitment to serving students where they are,” said Deneen Guss, county superintendent of schools. “Our school leaders are incredibly grateful for the breadth of services provided to meet the evolving needs of students and families.”
The Mobile Clinic brings services directly to campuses and nearby neighborhoods, offering preventive and primary care, such as health screenings, immunizations, sports physicals and chronic condition management. It also provides Covid-19 and flu testing, simple urgent care and health education resources at no cost.
A 40-foot mobile unit is equipped with two exam rooms, laboratory capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and workstations to support comprehensive on-site care. The clinic is staffed by a team that includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, medical assistant and community health advocate.
A key component of the program is its Community Health Advocates, who help patients navigate services, connect with local resources and receive follow-up support.
“We are extremely grateful for the strong partnership and collaborative spirit of the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic in supporting the whole child,” said MCSBA President Irma Lopez. “Their work exemplifies the critical connection between health and education, and we are proud to recognize them with this year’s Excellence in Education Award.”
In its first six years, the Mobile Clinic has logged more than 22,000 patient visits, with 91% of patients uninsured. It has also provided more than 2,900 no-cost sports physicals and, since becoming an approved Vaccines for Children provider in July 2025, administered nearly 400 free vaccine doses valued at about $60,000.
Additional support includes providing blood pressure monitors, glucose kits and other essential supplies through community partnerships.
“We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of the meaningful partnerships we’ve built with schools throughout Monterey County,” said Lynette Fitzgerald, director of community benefit for Salinas Valley Health. “This work is about more than healthcare — it’s about creating healthier environments where students can focus on learning and families have the support they need to succeed.”
The clinic continues to serve communities across South Monterey County, including weekly stops in Greenfield at the Family Resource Center and periodic community health events in Gonzales.
