Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic Honored with Excellence in Education Award

SALINAS, CA - Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic is honored to receive The Monterey County School Boards Association prestigious “Excellence in Education” Award. The Mobile Clinic was selected from more than three dozen nominees throughout the county and is a testament to the Clinic’s impact on student health, well-being and academic success across Monterey County.

Launched in January 2020, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic delivers free, high-quality healthcare services directly to underserved communities in Salinas and Greenfield, operating six days a week at schools and community sites. The program also partners with the Food Bank for Monterey County to provide free food distribution three days each week, addressing food insecurity alongside health needs.

“This recognition reflects the direct connection between health and a student’s ability to learn and thrive,” said Orlando Rodriguez, MD, 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.”

“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 Dr. 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 40-foot, state-of-the-art mobile unit is designed to deliver comprehensive, on-site care and features two fully equipped exam rooms, a registration area, laboratory, medical assistant workspace, ADA-compliant ramp, medical-grade refrigeration, Wi-Fi connectivity, five workstations and dual education monitors.

The Mobile Clinic provides a broad range of no-cost services, including primary care for chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure; testing for COVID-19, flu, strep and pregnancy; simple urgent care for conditions such as lacerations, sore throats, rashes, urinary tract infections and fevers; annual and sports physicals; and vaccinations, including participation in the Vaccines for Children program. Additional services include health education, virtual visits and assistance connecting patients with resources to manage ongoing health needs.

A cornerstone of the program is its team of Community Health Advocates, who build trusted relationships with patients, assess social and health needs, connect individuals with community resources, assist with forms and provide follow-up support.

In its first six years, the Mobile Clinic has provided more than 22,000 patient visits, with 91% of patients uninsured. The program has delivered over 2,900 no-cost sports physicals and continues to expand access to essential services. In July 2025, the clinic became an approved Vaccines for Children provider, administering nearly 400 free vaccine doses valued at approximately $60,000. Additional support for patients includes blood pressure monitors, glucose kits and other essential supplies made possible 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 award was presented at the association’s annual dinner and organizational meeting on March 27 at Hartnell Community College.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843