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

MARIPOSA OPENS A PHARMACY

To ensure access to affordable prescription medications for our communities, Mariposa opens its own pharmacy, located at 1860 N. State Drive. Consistent with its mission, prescriptions are offered on a sliding fee scale to individuals lacking insurance coverage. As an added service to the community, the pharmacy initiates daily prescription delivery to the satellite sites.

FIRST REMOTE CLINICAL TELEMEDICINE SITE IN ARIZONA

Mariposa becomes the first remote clinical telemedicine site for the University of Arizona’s Telemedicine Program to provide the highest quality of care, while providing patients and their families the ability to remain at the local health care facility. “Starting in 1996, the Mariposa telemedicine program is regarded as one of the top programs in the country and wherever we go people are interested in knowing how it works in the setting of a community health center. And I might say it works because of the extraordinary nature of the community, Nogales, very high level of talent both at the administrative level and in regard to highly skilled staff there. The summary is that it has been tremendously successful and we couldn’t be prouder of our relationship specifically with Mariposa Community Health Center!” -Dr. Ronald Weinstein, Director of University of Arizona Telemedicine Program

FIRST MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES IN THE COUNTY

Recognizing the importance of access to mammography services for women’s health, Mariposa becomes the first health facility to provide this critical service in Santa Cruz County.

NEW BUILDING FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

Expanding the focus on women’s health, the Mariposa for Women clinic opens on the Nogales campus, providing the comfort of a smaller clinic that caters to women’s health. The clinic later became known as the Mesquite building, transitioning to a family medicine clinic once women’s health outgrew the space.

MARIPOSA OPENS FIRST DENTAL SITE

Recognizing the importance of dental health in maintaining overall health, Mariposa begins providing dental services in a tiny, 10’ x 30’ modular trailer on loan from the Arizona Department Health Services. The dental program was based on a creative model utilizing federal community health center funding, National Health Service Corps staffing and state resources. This model was later replicated in community health centers nationally. Mariposa dental would continue to grow and in 1998, require an additional modular facility in Nogales which included a reception desk and waiting room.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BEGINS TO ASSIST COUNTY YOUTH

Desiring to contribute to the future of Santa Cruz County youth, Mariposa initiates the health care scholarship program to assist Santa Cruz County high school seniors achieve their educational goals in the health field.

MARIPOSA OPENS LOCAL FOOD BANK

After receiving a federal grant to begin a local food bank, Mariposa rents a warehouse on Hohokam Drive and dispenses 1.2 million pounds of food the first year of operation. Following the first year, Mariposa turned the Food Bank over to the Community Food Bank of Tucson, which later formed a local non-profit group in Nogales that developed into Borderlands Food Bank.

PLATICAMOS SALUD LAUNCHES

Recognizing that many chronic illnesses can either be prevented or most effectively managed by positive lifestyle choices, Mariposa launches a community health worker program. Platicamos Salud, which evolved to Community Health Services, utilizes highly trained community health workers, also known as “promotores de salud”, to reach the under-served populations in Santa Cruz County to assist individuals in navigating the health care system. Platicamos Salud offers an array of outreach, education, practical instruction, personal assistance and referral services. The community health workers interact with clients and their families and teach them to assess and manage their personal risk factors and positively impact their own well-being. They also work in the community, helping individuals and families learn about nutrition, exercise and living healthy, productive lives. This department represents Mariposa’s public health focus to influence community health and wellness.

FAMILY HEALTH CENTER OPENS IN PATAGONIA

In 1990, Mariposa extends its mission of service to the northeastern portion of Santa Cruz County with the acquisition of the Family Health Center, the Center’s first satellite site located in Patagonia.

NEW BUILDING, NEW NAME

In 1989, with funding from a federal grant and a loan from Tucson Medical Center, the Health Center opens a beautiful, new modern building on Mastick Way, eventually called the Mariposa building. With the new building, came the name change to Mariposa Community Health Center, Inc.