Community Health Centers in Santa Cruz, CA

Finding sliding-scale care in Santa Cruz

Community Health Centers in Santa Cruz are part of the HRSA-funded Section 330 network. Each center above is required by federal rule to accept patients regardless of insurance status and to offer sliding-scale fees based on your household income. Most centers also run an on-site pharmacy that uses 340B pricing to dispense prescriptions at significant discounts.

Call the center ahead of your first visit to confirm they are accepting new patients, ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and find out what to bring — typically photo ID, proof of income (a paystub or self-declaration), and any insurance card you have. If you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace coverage but aren't enrolled, FQHC patient navigators can enroll you in coverage the same day you're seen.

Specialties often available

• Primary care (adult and family medicine)
• Dental cleanings, fillings, and urgent dental care
• Behavioral health counseling and psychiatric medication management
• OB/GYN and maternal health, often with Black-led midwifery or doula referrals
• Pediatrics and school-based health
• Substance-use treatment including medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• HIV testing, PrEP, and antiretroviral care