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Draft:Cástulo De La Rocha

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Cástulo De La Rocha

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Cástulo De La Rocha is an American healthcare executive and the President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation, one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the United States. De La Rocha has been a prominent figure in community health, particularly in advocating for the healthcare needs of underserved populations in Southern California.

Early Life and Education

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Cástulo De La Rocha was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and later immigrated to the United States with his family. The family settled in East Los Angeles, where he attended Roosevelt High School. After graduating, De La Rocha enrolled at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1973.[1] During his time at UCSB, De La Rocha was a vocal Chicano student activist and played a key role in organizing the United Mexican American Students group. He later pursued a law degree at UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD).[2]

Career

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De La Rocha began his career in legal services, interning at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). His career took a significant turn when he joined the East Los Angeles Free Clinic, where he became acutely aware of the healthcare disparities affecting the Latino community. In 1977, De La Rocha became the CEO of AltaMed Health Services, then a small clinic in East Los Angeles.

Under his leadership, AltaMed transformed from a single storefront clinic into the largest FQHC in California, with approximately 50 medical, dental, and senior care sites across Southern California, serving over 300,000 patients annually. De La Rocha's vision has focused on integrating comprehensive health services that address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the communities AltaMed serves. His leadership is credited with creating a model for community-based healthcare that combines clinical excellence with a deep commitment to health equity.[3]

Philanthropy and Advocacy

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Beyond his work with AltaMed, De La Rocha has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts. He is known for his commitment to improving access to education and healthcare for Latino communities. De La Rocha serves on the boards of several organizations, including National Medical Fellowships and America’s Physician Groups. His advocacy work extends to supporting initiatives that promote diversity in the healthcare workforce and address the social determinants of health.[4]

Awards and Recognitions

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Cástulo De La Rocha's contributions to healthcare and his community have earned him numerous accolades. He was honored with the Medallion of Excellence from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in 2017, and in 2018, he received the Aaron L. Brown Memorial Public Service Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers. Additionally, the Los Angeles Business Journal named him the Health Care System/Network Executive of the Year in 2019. These awards underscore his significant impact on the healthcare industry and his dedication to serving marginalized populations.[5][6]

Personal Life

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De La Rocha continues to reside in Southern California. He is also known for his interest in Chicano art, having amassed one of the largest private collections in the country, which he displays throughout AltaMed’s facilities as part of his holistic approach to healthcare.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Cástulo de la Rocha, '73". UCSB Social Sciences. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  2. ^ "Chicano Student Activist Builds a Health Empire". UC Santa Barbara Alumni. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  3. ^ "Cástulo de la Rocha, '73". UCSB Social Sciences. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Leadership". AltaMed. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Cástulo de la Rocha, '73". UCSB Social Sciences. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Chicano Student Activist Builds a Health Empire". UC Santa Barbara Alumni. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Chicano Student Activist Builds a Health Empire". UC Santa Barbara Alumni. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
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Category:American health care chief executives Category:University of California, Santa Barbara alumni Category:Living people