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, a full-service pharmacy, an integrated behavioral health program, plus an extensive health promotion/disease prevention department.

Over 300 dedicated staff members support Mariposa and our mission of service in the community.

Our History

MARK ROSS CAPIN ENDOWMENT

Mark Capin lost his hard fought battle with cancer on July 2, 2006. Prior to his passing, he graciously established the Mark Ross Capin Endowment at the Santa Cruz Community Foundation to support Mariposa’s important work in the community. Proceeds from the Capin Endowment are used to support diagnostic services, clinical equipment and disease prevention activities in Santa Cruz County.

MARIPOSA OPENS DOORS IN RIO RICO

As the County grew to the north, Mariposa at Rio Rico opens its doors in September of 2006, providing family medicine services to residents of Rio Rico and surrounding communities. In addition to regular office visits, the site offers laboratory services and daily prescription deliveries from the pharmacy.

SANTA CRUZ HEALTH CONNECTION ENHANCES ACCESS TO CARE

Mariposa initiates the Santa Cruz Health Connection in collaboration with the Pima Community Access Program to provide qualifying uninsured residents of Santa Cruz County with access to a network of specialists and hospitals at deeply discounted rates.

DENTAL GOES ELECTRONIC

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

MARIPOSA RECEIVES “BORDER MODEL OF EXCELLENCE“ RECOGNITION

In 2003, the U.S.- México Border Health Commission designates Mariposa as a “Border Model of Excellence”. The Border Model of Excellence initiative recognizes community-based health programs along the U.S.- México border that have made great strides in improving the health and well-being of communities along the border.

INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH

To support patients facing complex health conditions and difficult life events, Mariposa begins an innovative integrated mental health program incorporating mental health support with traditional medical care.

NEW 2-STORY SIERRA BUILDING OPENS ON NOGALES CAMPUS

To meet growing community need, Mariposa completes a major expansion opening a new, two-story building adjacent to the Mariposa building on the Nogales campus. The beautiful new Sierra building was designed to house pediatrics, obstetrics, dental services, Platicamos Salud, and the pharmacy. The Health Center also assumes responsibility for the remaining county public health programs in 2002, acquiring the tuberculosis and sexually transmitted disease programs.

SUMMER YOUTH INSTITUTE PROGRAM BEGINS

The Summer Youth Institute (SYI) is established in collaboration with various community organizations. SYI continues as an annual, seven-week summer youth leadership program, providing selected high school students with enrichment opportunities in health education, exposure to various professions, and development of long-term goals and job skills. SYI graduates receive a Teen Health Facilitator Certification, certifying the students to conduct peer education in the community.

COMMUNITY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

In 2002, Mariposa receives national recognition after being selected by the Department of Health and Human Services as one of only three Community Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health in the nation.

FIRST HEALTH CENTER IN THE NATION TO PROVIDE ORTHODONTICS ON A SLIDING FEE SCALE

In addition to providing access to primary medical and dental care, the Health Center is also in the business of changing lives and futures of those most in need. In 2002, Mariposa becomes the only community health center in the nation to make orthodontic services available to low and moderate income patients through the sliding fee scale.