Healthcare For All
Vecinos is a 501(c)3 nonprofit free clinic with mobile and outpatient healthcare services, serving all low-income, uninsured adults. Our services are bilingual and culturally centered.
Our Story
Since our inception, Vecinos, Inc., has been dedicated to serving the agricultural worker community. In 2021, our Board and staff rededicated Vecinos to serving any uninsured, low-income adult with a specific focus on those in need of Spanish-language services. Our dedication to agricultural workers remains at the core of our organization and we are excited to continue growing healthcare for all of our neighbors.
As a program of the Jackson County Department of Public Health, Josie Ellis, RN, began outreach to migrant farmworker families in Jackson County.
In partnership with Mark Heffington, MD, Josie created a 501(c)3 designation to begin the dedicated and independent work of mobile healthcare services for farmworkers in Jackson County and surrounding communities.
In 2005, the Rotary Clubs of Cashiers Valley and Highlands generously donated our first mobile clinic. Over the next several years, with the freedom provided by the mobile clinic, Vecinos expanded to serve agricultural workers in four counties.
Vecinos continued to grow and become an incredible resource for the community. Western Carolina University, a Carnegie Classified university, welcomed Vecinos to establish headquarters and clinical space on its beautiful campus.
With the addition of an out-patient clinic, Vecinos began serving seasonal agricultural workers and expanded to serve eight counties.
In early 2020, Vecinos launched expanded clinical services. As the pandemic hit, we quickly adapted to the needs of the community and deeply promoted vaccine equity and access to healthcare.
During the tri-annual strategic planning effort, the Patient Advisory Board, Board of Directors, and staff recommitted Vecinos to serving the entire low-income, uninsured community by expanding patient eligibility guidelines.
While still maintaining the Cullowhee outpatient clinical services, Vecinos launches the Vecinos – Community Health Hub, an SECU Campus, in Franklin, NC, as its new headquarters. The Hub co-locates medical, dental, and social health partners to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services for the entire community.
Transforming Lives Through Accessible Healthcare
Vecinos provides essential healthcare services, ensuring that agricultural workers and low-income adults receive the care they need. Our commitment to bilingual support and community outreach fosters healthier lives.
- Culturally centered health and wellness services
- Bilingual staff
- Patient-centered and empowering approach to promoting self care
Our Values
Service
We believe that providing high-quality, culturally centered, person-focused services achieves positive health outcomes.
Advocacy
We work to ensure that our patients have a voice in all matters that impact their health and well-being.
Equity
We believe that everyone has a right to healthcare.
Transparency
We believe that open, honest, and respectful communication improves all relationships.
Collaboration
We achieve more for our community by working with like-minded community partners.
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