Operation Samahan in San Diego offers free healthcare for immigrants
Photo from opsamhealth/Instagram
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. With this vision, Operation Samahan in San Diego works to ensure every immigrant and community member has access to healthcare regardless of financial capacity.
Also known as Opsam Health, this organization embodies “samahan,” a Filipino word for “collective” or a group that works together, and is fully committed to providing quality healthcare for all.
What once occupied a barbershop in National City now stands as a beacon of hope to thousands of underserved San Diegans.
Founded in 1973 under the name Samahan Health Centers by a group of dedicated volunteer medical health professionals, Operation Samahan is set to address the need for linguistically and culturally competent healthcare services in the community.
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Their doctors and nurses initially provided free primary healthcare to Filipino and Latino patients from a makeshift clinic located in a barbershop in downtown San Diego.
As demand for their healthcare services increased, the organization saw the need for a more structured approach. They formalized their mission and Operation Samahan was established with its new name.
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A Federally Qualified Healthcare Center
Since its grassroots inception, Opsam Health has flourished, expanding to several clinic sites across National City, Rancho Peñasquitos and Mira Mesa.
Acknowledged as a Federally Qualified Health Center since 2013, Opsam Health stays true to their mission of providing top-notch healthcare to immigrants and community members.
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Mary Torres, daughter of Perla, a nurse and one of the clinic’s founders shared with Fox 5, “My mother and a group of other healthcare professionals began operating a makeshift clinic, providing free care to immigrants from the back of the building.”
As the need for their services increased, so did their dedication, resulting in a network of clinics across San Diego County.
Dr. Archie Bella, Opsam Health’s medical director, underscores the organization’s commitment to continuous development and improvement. “To deliver the care experience you deserve, we are continuously learning what matters most to you and your families.”
Community engagement through free healthcare
Opsam Health recently took part in a San Diego Rescue Event. Expressing their gratitude for the invitation, they posted on Instagram, “Thank you to @sdrescue again for having us! For us, it’s not just about showing up. It’s connecting with our communities, having friendly conversations, developing meaningful relationships to earn trust.”
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This coming July 13, Operation Samahan will participate in the community celebration, “Filipino American Friendship Festival” — a free event showcasing cultural art, Filipino food and entertainment.
Additionally, Operation Samahan is available to patients 24/7. If you’re registered with them, you can call (844) 200-2426 for assistance even after work hours.
Their after-hours call system will directly connect you to a medical professional for guidance. To register for their services, click here.
