San Ysidro Health’s Founding Mother

Carmen Martinez, San Ysidro Health’s last living Founding Mother, celebrated her 99th birthday and a legacy of activism at the annual Clasico de Golf Tournament on Sept. 26 at the San Diego Country Club.

Seeking medical services for their children, Martinez and six other mothers came together in 1969 to establish the first clinic with four volunteer physicians in a little white casita. Today, San Ysidro Health has more than 50 program sites and continues the goal of its Founding Mothers to improve the health and well-being of the community with access for all.

Coinciding with Martinez’s birthday celebration, was the annual Clasico de Golf Tournament. It hosted 144 golfers and raised $233,000 in support of senior health services.

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