National Health Center Week 2024 was a remarkable celebration at Camarena Health, highlighting our commitment to our community and the diverse groups we serve. Throughout the week, we engaged in activities that reflected our dedication to agricultural workers, patients, staff, and children. Here’s a quick recap of the week’s festivities and the ways we gave back.
Children's Day | August 3rd
National Health Center Week began with a vibrant celebration of Children’s Health Day on August 3rd. Held at the John Wells Youth Center, this event was a collaborative effort between Camarena Health, Binational of Central California, and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria. The turnout was incredible, with over 1,340 attendees joining us for a day of fun and care.
One of the highlights was the distribution of over 750 backpacks filled with school supplies, ensuring children were prepared for the new school year. Our mobile unit was on-site, providing optometry and dental screenings to children, helping to ensure their health and readiness for school. The event was further enriched by the participation of over 25 agencies, offering valuable resources to attendees.
A special treat for the children was the series of reptile shows provided by Reptile Ron, which captivated the crowd with fascinating creatures. Additionally, the Madera County Food Bank made a generous contribution of 600 boxes of food, which were distributed to families in need, reinforcing our commitment to supporting our community.
Agricultural Worker Day | August 6th
We kicked off the week by honoring the hard work and resilience of our agricultural partners on Agricultural Worker Health Day. In recognition of their vital contributions, we visited Agriland and Specialty Crop Corp to personally deliver bucket hats and postcards featuring essential heat safety tips. These items were thoughtfully curated to help protect workers from the extreme temperatures they face daily. The smiles and gratitude we received in return were heartwarming, and we captured these moments in photos that truly reflect the spirit of the day.
Patient Appreciation Day | August 7th
Patient Appreciation Day was all about celebrating the individuals who trust us with their health. Our dental staff took the lead by creating a heartfelt video that was shared on social media, highlighting the story of one of our dedicated patients. This video served as a reminder of the deep connections we build with our patients and the positive impact we strive to make in their lives. You can watch the video on our Instagram page here.
Health Center Staff Appreciation Day | August 9th
On Health Center Staff Appreciation Day, we turned our focus inward, recognizing the incredible efforts of our team. The highlight of the day was a touching staff appreciation video featuring our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joel Ramirez, and Chief Human Resources Officer, Gabriel Mejia. Their heartfelt messages of gratitude were shared on internally, where staff from all departments could view and feel the appreciation. The video was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who go above and beyond every day to serve our community.
National Health Center Week 2024 was more than just a series of events; it was a celebration of the people who make our community strong. From the agricultural workers who tirelessly support our food supply, to the patients who trust us with their care, to the dedicated staff who make it all possible, and to the children who represent our future—this week was a reflection of our mission to serve and uplift. We are proud of the impact we made and look forward to continuing our efforts to support and celebrate our community year-round.