Episode 34 | Building Healthier Communities | Dr. Rakesh Patel, CEO, Julie Ngo, Donor, Neighborhood Healthcare

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, Dr. Rakesh Patel, the CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, and Julie Ngo, a dedicated neighborhood supporter and donor of Neighborhood Healthcare.Dr. Patel explains that Neighborhood Healthcare was established in 1969 as a free clinic in Escondido, California, and has since expanded to 24 locations across San Diego County and Riverside County. The organization offers services with a focus on improving patients' overall health and well-being. He mentions that the majority of their patients come from the local community and live below the federal poverty level. They collaborate with other nonprofits and community partners to address various needs such as housing and food insecurity. Hear Julie Ngo share her personal connection to Neighborhood Healthcare, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for low-income individuals and the comfort of having a trusted family doctor. Hear both guests touch on the financial support the organization receives from government funding, insurance, and philanthropy, as well as individual donors. It is with this help that the organization is able to function to help meet the growing need for affordable healthcare and fulfill the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.