Medical Care Access for Immigrant Communities

Below are a list of health and wellness services for immigrant communities. For more information, click the link above to visit the official website. 

Emergency Care

• Legal Law: Everyone has the right to receive emergency medical care at hospitals that receive federal funding, regardless of immigration status. This is protected under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
• What to do: If you need urgent medical attention, go to hospitals such as:
  • Watsonville Community Hospital (Watsonville)
  • Natividad Medical Center (Salinas)
  • Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (Hollister)
  • Dominican Hospital (Santa Cruz)

Regular Medical Care

• Community Clinics:
  • Undocumented immigrants can access low-cost or free services at community clinics, which do not require proof of immigration status.
  • Key resources:
    • Health for the People (Santa Cruz and Watsonville): Provides medical, dental and mental health care. Visit website
    • Salinas Valley Health Clinic (Monterey): Offers prenatal care, pediatrics and dental services. Visit website
    • San Benito Health Foundation (San Benito): Medical services for farmworkers and families. Visit website

Medi-Cal Programs

• Right to Medi-CalIn California, children, pregnant women, and low-income adults have access to Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
• How to apply: Visit your county social services office:
  • Santa Cruz County Health Services: Enlace
  • Monterey County Social Services: Enlace
  • San Benito County Health Services: Enlace