Congressman Eric Swalwell Visits Bay Area Community Health: Advancing Access to Care
Bay Area Community Health (BACH) proudly welcomed Congressman Eric Swalwell to our Liberty clinic for an insightful visit highlighting the innovative ways we provide healthcare to our community. During the visit, the congressman toured our medical offices, met with key members of our team, and explored the diverse services we offer, including telehealth, award-winning mobile health units, and mental health care.
Congressman Swalwell met with BACH’s CEO, Dr. Zettie D. Page III, and other key leaders, including our Chief of Strategic Development, Wil Lacro, and Chief Medical Officer Dr Harsha Ramchandani. Together, they discussed the challenges and successes of bringing equitable healthcare to underserved populations. Wil expressed gratitude for the congressman’s support, particularly for the Mobile Health Clinics, which are a lifeline for many families in the community. "These units allow us to meet families where they are, providing essential medical, dental, and mental health care to over 3,000 patients annually," said Lacro.
The congressman also acknowledged the hardships of securing funding for such initiatives but emphasized the importance of listening to the community. "Despite the challenges in acquiring funding for these mobile units, BACH has demonstrated that when the community voices its needs, organizations like this can make a real difference," he said. "Through community funding projects, these vital initiatives have become a reality. Thank you to BACH for the incredible work you do."
The tour showcased BACH’s holistic approach to care, from the nationally recognized TransVision program—dedicated to transgender and LGBTQIA+ health—to the Food Farmacy, which combats food insecurity by prescribing nutritious food to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
A standout feature of the visit was BACH's Mobile Health Clinics, which deliver care directly to schools and underserved neighborhoods. These units ensure children stay up to date on vaccinations and receive care without parents having to miss work. They also extend mental health services to families who might not otherwise have access. "Partnerships with schools and local organizations are critical to meeting families where they are," Lacro explained.
Additionally, the congressman learned about BACH’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides no-cost immunizations to eligible children, and the growing use of telehealth services, ensuring patients have flexible options for care.
"We deeply appreciate Congressman Swalwell's advocacy for community health centers like BACH," said Dr. Ramchandani. "His support enables us to continue breaking barriers to care and building healthier communities."
The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to making affordable, equitable healthcare accessible to everyone in the Bay Area. With programs like TransVision, Food Farmacy, and Mobile Health Clinics, BACH remains dedicated to serving the community with compassion and innovation.