HISTORY

The Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers (the Coalition) was founded in 1974 as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization designed to support and strengthen Orange County’s network of licensed community clinics. For 47 years, the Coalition has served as a membership organization for freestanding, mobile community based non-profit clinics offering a forum in which clinic leaders can share ideas and concerns, as well as to advocate for the clinics and their patients.

BACKGROUND

The Coalition was born in a time of transition, tested in the midst of healthcare reform and moving from innovation to innovation to become the leaders of primary care in Orange County. Prior to the inception of the Coalition, a group of 10 community member organizations shared best practices to improve the health care system of the early 70’s. The group of executive directors and clinic managers created a collective voice and collaborative funding pools through a unified trusting relationship. At that time, as it is now, the goal of the health centers has prospered in providing access points to health and social services to the medically underserved and disenfranchised. Soon after, the Coalition incorporated and opened its doors in April of 1974.