Universal Community Health Center

08/28/2025

Have you received a call about changing your Medicare plan? 📞

During this time, it's common to get calls from agents about switching your Medicare insurance. It's important to talk to us before you make any changes.

Our office can help you figure out which plan will benefit you the most. We are here to help you get the best care possible!

Reach out to UCHC at (323) 233-3100 and ask to speak with Stefani Avila or Lucy Lujano.

08/27/2025

👋 Meet Leticia Perez, PA-C!

We're thrilled to welcome Leticia Perez, a new Board-Certified Physician Assistant, to our team at UCHC.

A proud graduate of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Leticia brings a strong passion for women's health and geriatric care. As a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar, she is dedicated to serving underserved communities.

Her experience working at FQHC sites as a student has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to provide comprehensive medical care.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Leticia strives to create a welcoming and compassionate environment for every patient. She takes a whole-person approach to medicine and promotes patient education to help you achieve your best health outcomes.

When she's not at the clinic, Leticia enjoys traveling with her husband, staying active, and spending time with family.

08/27/2025

Are you passionate about health equity? 🤝 Do you have student loans? 🎓 We can help!

As a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site with a high HPSA score of 19, working with us means you get priority for NHSC loan repayment. 💰

We're currently hiring for these positions:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Practice Physician
🥑 Registered Dietitian
💻 EMR Trainer Specialist

Learn more and apply today at www.uchcla.org/careers. We'd love to have you on the team! ✨

08/25/2025

Did you know diabetes can lead to vision loss? 👀 Retinal screenings help detect issues early, keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. At Universal Community Health Center (UCHC), we make it easy to get screened!

✅ Quick & painless eye screening 🔬
✅ Detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy 🩺
✅ Protect your vision & overall health 💙

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your retinal screening today! 📅 Call us now! 323-233-3100

08/23/2025

¿Preocupado por los costos de salud? 💙
Estamos aquí para ayudarte.

Nuestro Programa de Descuento de Tarifa Reducida hace que los servicios médicos, dentales y de salud conductual sean más accesibles—basados en tu ingreso y tamaño familiar.

Ya sea que no tengas seguro o estés subasegurado, puedes calificar para tarifas más bajas:
✅ Solicitud sencilla
✅ Descuentos según ingresos
✅ Atención para TODOS—sin importar la capacidad de pago

📞 Llámanos al 323-233-3100 o visita www.uchcla.org
para más información.

08/22/2025

If you’re living with diabetes, your feet need extra care—and the right shoes make a big difference. 🦶✨

Diabetic shoes aren’t just about comfort. They’re designed to:
✅ Reduce pressure points that cause ulcers
✅ Improve circulation and stability
✅ Lower your risk of infections and long-term complications

💡 Foot Care Tips for Diabetics:

✅ Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or swelling
✅ Keep your feet clean and moisturized (but avoid lotion between the toes)
✅ Always wear socks with your shoes to prevent friction
✅ Get your shoes fitted by a podiatry professional for the best support

Don’t wait—protect your feet today. The right support now prevents serious problems later.

08/20/2025

👋 Welcome Dr. Jessica Cardona!

We're so excited to introduce the newest member of our UCHC family: Dr. Jessica Cardona, a board-certified pediatrician! 🩺

Dr. Cardona earned her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, New York. She then completed her pediatric residency at Holtz Children's Hospital in Miami.

As a child of immigrant parents, she has dedicated her career to providing great care to everyone. 🧡

Dr. Cardona brings her deep understanding and a passion for helping the communities that shaped her. We're thrilled to have her on the team, bringing her compassionate care to you and your family! ✨

📍 Now seeing patients at Universal Community Health Center (UCHC)!
📞 Call us at (323) 233-3100 to schedule an appointment.

08/18/2025

Meet Cintia Chavez Rodriguez, PA-C!
We are thrilled to welcome Cintia Chavez Rodriguez, our new Board-Certified Physician Assistant, to the UCHC family! 🩺

Cintia is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare, and her personal journey as an immigrant has given her a deep understanding of the challenges many of our patients face. She is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks Portuguese at an intermediate level, which helps her connect deeply with our community. ❤️

Cintia’s Medical Background:

👩‍🎓 She earned her Physician Assistant degree from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, specializing in primary care.

📚 She received her bachelor's degree in Human Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Cintia’s Approach to Care:

⚕️ Whole-Person Health: She believes in taking a holistic approach, focusing on the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of your health.

🤝 Empowering You: Her goal is to give you the information you need to feel confident and in control of your health journey.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Focused: While her focus is family medicine, she has extra training in geriatric care to help our older patients.

When she's not at the clinic, you can find Cintia "taco touring" around Los Angeles or traveling and wine tasting with her husband. 🌮🍷

We are so excited to have her on the team and know she will provide excellent, compassionate care to you and your family!

📍 Now seeing patients at Universal Community Health Center (UCHC)!
📞 Call us at (323) 233-3100 to schedule an appointment.

08/15/2025

💙 Early detection saves lives.
Colorectal cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages—but screening can find it before it becomes life-threatening.

At Universal Community Health Center (UCHC), we make it simple with quick, effective, and confidential screening options. Whether it’s a stool-based test or a colonoscopy referral, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Don’t wait for symptoms. If you’re 45 or older—or have a family history—ask about getting screened today.

📞 Call us at (323) 233-3100 to schedule your colorectal cancer screening.

08/13/2025

Through UCHC’s Empanelment Initiative, you’ll have a dedicated provider and support staff who get to know you and your health. It’s about having a consistent team that’s here for you long-term—not just for one appointment.

Why Is This Good For You?
• Personalized Care: We take time to listen an understand your health story — so your care fits you.
• Proactive Health: We help you stay ahead of health issues with regular check-ups and ongoing support.
• Easy, Trusted Access: Count on a care team that knows you, supports you and is here when you need us.

How Do You Get Started?
• ANYONE can join! New or familiar, you and your family can enroll.
• Visit us: Stop by anytime during our working hours.
• Complete the Empanelment Form: Our team will make it simple.
• Meet Your Care Team: We’ll introduce you to your provider and team.
• Keep in Touch: Schedule your appointments and stay connected.

If you have any questions or would like to initiate the empanelment process, please reach out to our Empanelment Team at (323) 233-3100, speak to any of our call center agents, or visit any of our clinic locations to request initiation. We’re here to help every step of the way!

08/13/2025

💡 Not all health advice online is created equal.

Before you follow a “health tip” from a creator or influencer, pause and ask yourself:

✔️ Is this coming from a credible source?
✔️ Are they qualified or licensed to talk about it?
✔️ Could they be trying to sell me something?
✔️ Is it backed by research, not just personal stories?
✔️ Could it be AI-generated or misleading?
✔️ Does it sound too good to be true?

Your health is too important to trust just anyone.
📚 Stay informed. Ask questions. Protect your well-being.

08/10/2025

We’re wrapping up with full hearts and deep gratitude 💙

From food security and preventive care to dentistry, optometry, maternity, and pediatrics— continues to meet the needs of our South LA community with compassion and care.

Special thanks to the offices of Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager Dove and Council member Curren D. Price, Jr. for joining us for this month’s Food Pantry Distribution and clinic tour. Your support helps protect access to quality care for all—because healthy communities start with health equity.

Photo credits: Thank you to Danika Mendoza (Principal at OmniReach Solutions) for the support and great photos.

01/27/2020

How Can Parents Protect Their Children from Developing Cervical Cancer? 🤔 Schedule HPV Vaccination Early! 📆

Cervical cancer is linked to infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). 🦠 The HPV Vaccine PROTECTS against the types of HPV that cause about 90% of cervical cancers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination at:
• Ages 11-14 (only two doses required)
• Ages 15-26 (three-dose series is recommended)
• Men and women can be vaccinated up to age 45

📱Call UCHC to schedule an appointment: 323-233-3100.

🎗
NCCC-National Cervical Cancer Coalition

In the U.S., HPV infections cause over 17,000 cancers in women, and over 9,000 cancers in men each year. HPV vaccines can help prevent HPV-related cancer. Ma...