UCHC Celebrates a Special Week with Special Events (Aired 2026-7-15)

Yesenia Padilla, Clinical Operations Director at United Community Health Center, will share about the upcoming National Health Center Week coming up from August 2-8, 2026. Why it matters to our communities? And some of the exciting events UCHC has planned to celebrate our patients, staff, and community partners. Yesenia’s Bio: Yesenia Padilla is the Clinical Operations Director at United Community Health Center, where she oversees clinical support operations across all UCHC locations. A Tucson native and Licensed Practical Nurse, Yesenia first joined UCHC in 2002 and has more than 20 years of healthcare experience, including launching and leading multiple clinics. After gaining additional leadership experience managing rural health clinics, she returned to UCHC in 2022. Today, she is dedicated to ensuring patients throughout Southern Arizona receive high-quality, accessible care. 1. What is National Health Center Week, and why is it such an important celebration for United Community Health Center? National Health Center Week is celebrated every August and recognizes the vital role Community Health Centers play in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. It's an opportunity to celebrate our patients, dedicated staff, and community partners who help make our mission possible.  At UCHC, we've proudly served Southern Arizona for more than 40 years and remain committed to providing compassionate, whole-person care. 2. This year's National Health Center Week focuses on celebrating our staff, patients, and community partners. How do these three groups work together to help fulfill UCHC's mission? 3. UCHC has several special events planned during National Health Center Week, Can you tell us about these events and how they benefit our community? Assured Imaging Mobile Mammogram Event  August 5 from 8am to 4pm at continental Family medical Center, patients may register by going to UCHCAZ.org  Sports Physical Day? August 8th  Our Center will observe other activities and events to highlight and show appreciation to our patients, staff and partners.  4. Many people may not realize everything a community health center offers. What would you like our community to know about UCHC and the role we play in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare? I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that Community Health Centers are only for people without insurance. The truth is, we're here for everyone. Whether you have private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or no insurance at all, our doors are open. Community Health Centers are the nation's largest primary care network, providing affordable, high-quality healthcare to more than 32 million people each year. We offer comprehensive services—including primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, women's health, pharmacy services, and preventive care—all focused on keeping our communities healthy.  Here at UCHC, we're proud to bring those services to Southern Arizona. We care for thousands of patients across our communities and believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.  Through our Sliding Fee Discount Program, transportation services, community outreach, and compassionate care teams, we work to remove barriers so patients can get the care they need when they need it. National Health Center Week is a wonderful reminder that healthcare is about more than treating illness, it's about building healthier communities, creating lasting relationships with our patients, and ensuring everyone has access to the care they deserve." 5. As we celebrate National Health Center Week, what message would you like to share with our patients, staff, volunteers, and community partners?   6. You've dedicated more than 20 years to community health. What continues to inspire you to do this work, and what has kept you passionate about serving our communities?   7. How can people learn more about UCHC and the upcoming national Health Center week updates?  Website: UCHCAZ.Org and social media Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.