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

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.

RIO RICO CENTER ACQUISTION

To ensure capacity for future growth in the Rio Rico area, Mariposa acquires the Rio Rico Center.

MARIPOSA OPENS NEW WOMEN INFANTS & CHILDREN (WIC) BUILDING

The WIC program was housed in many locations after it was first taken over by the Health Center in 1980, but not at any of Mariposa’s clinical sites. With funding made possible by an Arizona Department of Health Services WIC Special Projects grant supplemented by Mariposa, a beautiful new WIC building opens on the Nogales campus to provide better integration with clinical programs, as well as added convenience for clients. Mariposa is the sole provider of WIC services in the County, with sites in Nogales, Rio Rico, Amado and Patagonia.

RIO RICO ADDS NEW MODERN DENTAL CLINIC

Mariposa opens the new dental facility at the Center’s Rio Rico site, providing a full range of general dental care including preventive, restorative, minor oral surgery, crowns, bridges, cosmetic procedures and orthodontics.

NOGALES FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OPENS

Mariposa’s Family Resource Center, opens as a new service for families of children 0-5 years of age. The Center later evolved into the Family Learning Center to serve families of children under age 10. The Center’s classes are designed to enhance parenting skills and also support parental success through free adult education and mentorship.

X-RAY GOES DIGITAL

Mariposa becomes the first facility in the County to upgrade to digital x-ray, providing enhanced imaging, less radiation, higher quality images, and faster diagnosis.

VENTANILLA DE SALUD

In partnership with the Mexican Consulate, Mariposa opens the Ventanilla de Salud (Window to Health) at the Mexican Consulate in Nogales. Mariposa’s community health workers staff the Ventanilla to facilitate access for individuals to quality services and provide health education about diabetes, hypertension, domestic violence, healthy eating and physical health.

RIO RICO ADDS PEDIATRIC SERVICES

In 2009, Mariposa at Rio Rico adds pediatric services to respond to growing demand. Services include both sick and well child exams, all childhood immunizations and management of difficult medical conditions that may require careful monitoring and follow-up.

ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD IMPLEMENTATION

Mariposa migrates from paper to electronic medical records to provide a powerful platform for improving patient care, customer service and practice productivity.

PROTECTING FAMILIES

Mariposa partners with the Arizona Association of Community Health Centers to address domestic violence by adding a patient advocate position to provide crisis intervention, counseling, referral and follow-up for women and their families.