The Mariposa Community Health Center was founded in 1980 in response to the tremendous unmet need in Santa Cruz County. Initially established as a clinical division of the Santa Cruz County Health Department, the vision was to establish a unique model of care that integrated primary medical care with traditional public health services. The Health Center was originally staffed by a pediatrician and nurse practitioner and was located in a small building near downtown Nogales.

The Health Center was reorganized as a private, not for profit corporation in 1985. The new organization was based on a model public-private partnership, whereby the Health Center provided virtually all public health services by contract with the county health department. Lead by dedicated staff and a strong, supportive board of directors, we have grown along with the county and today, we have a main campus with state-of-the-art buildings and equipment in Nogales, plus satellite clinics in Patagonia, Rio Rico and Tubac. As a one-stop shopping model of care delivery, we provide comprehensive primary medical and dental care supported by lab, digital x-ray, and mammography, ultrasound, telemedicine, 2 full-service pharmacies, behavioral health, plus an extensive health promotion/disease prevention department.

Over 450 dedicated staff members support Mariposa and our mission of service in the community.

Our History

FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CO-LOCATES DOWNTOWN

In partnership with Nogales Community Development (NCD), the Family Learning Center relocates to the old Foxworth building, renovated as part of NCD’s downtown revitalization efforts.

MARIPOSA OPENS DOORS IN TUBAC

In response to the closure of Tubac Regional Health Center, Mariposa accepts a request from the Tubac Health Care Foundation to restore health care services to residents of Tubac and the surrounding communities. In late February, the Mariposa Tubac Regional Health Center opens its doors in the facility owned by the Tubac Health Care Foundation, located on the frontage road in Tubac.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RELOCATE

With the growth of the organization, Mariposa relocated business operations to a newly renovated suites next to the Health Insurance Assistance Center on Mastick Way.

MARIPOSA’S BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S NAMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ed Sicurello, Mariposa’s Chief of Operations & Finance, is named the Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors, effective July 18, 2015.

FOUNDING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, JAMES R. WELDEN, RETIRES FROM MARIPOSA AFTER 35 YEARS

As the founding Chief Executive Officer of Mariposa, James Welden has provided consistent senior leadership from the Health Center’s inception in 1980 until his retirement after 35 years on July 17, 2015. “On a daily basis, we have the opportunity of making a real difference in people’s lives and in our community. This is not only a great privilege, but also a solemn responsibility, which we take very seriously.” -James R. Welden

NEW SPACIOUS PHARMACY OPENS

Once again, in response to the growing needs of the communities we serve, Mariposa opens a larger, state-of-the-art pharmacy on the Nogales campus.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES RECEIVES RECOGNITION AS 2014 OUTSTANDING RURAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Mariposa’s Community Health Services Department (Platicamos Salud) is nationally recognized as the 2014 Outstanding Rural Health Program by the National Rural Health Association. This prestigious award is in recognition of the Department’s comprehensive community health worker model to promote health and wellness, not only in our community, but regionally and nationally as well. The Department was also recognized for its innovative, cross-sector community partnerships to maximize the effectiveness of available community resources.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ESTABLISHES PRESENCE IN RIO RICO

Community Health Services opens doors to a newly renovated suite in the Rio Rico building to facilitate direct involvement in coordinated patient care. The Rio Rico WIC office also moved into the new Community Health Services suite, providing clients with enhanced access to the Department’s programs and services.

HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE CENTER OPENS IN RESPONSE TO THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, more individuals qualified for Medicaid (AHCCCS) or insurance coverage under the new Health Insurance Marketplace. In 2012, Mariposa becomes the first organization in Santa Cruz County responsible for comprehensive community outreach, education and enrollment in these programs. To support increased enrollment, Mariposa opens the Health Insurance Assistance Center on Mastick Way.

NOGALES MERCADO PART OF DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

As part of the USDA Cosechando Bienestar (Harvesting Wellbeing) local food initiative grant awarded to Mariposa, the weekly Nogales Mercado Farmer’s Market opens in partnership with Nogales Community Development. The Mercado, located at the corner of Morley Avenue and Court Street, provides a downtown location for residents to purchase locally-grown, healthy foods as well as create a socially vibrant environment where all can learn, share and enjoy the community.