Post-Election: A Letter from UMMA’s CEO

Dear UMMA Friends, Partners and Colleagues,

This past week the presidential election results led to much discussion, consternation and profound instances of introspection. At UMMA we heard from staff and patients alike regarding their concerns and fears as to what the future may hold. As a result of the election, there is enormous uncertainty among health centers, especially with regards to the status of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare in the coming months and perhaps years. As a clinic serving South Los Angeles for 20 years, born of community trauma, UMMA understands and empathizes with the community’s feelings of uncertainty. We want to reassure our staff, partners, friends and patients alike that we stand with South LA and will continue to serve all, regardless of ability to pay.

Nothing has changed in terms of our determination to be a beacon of hope for South Los Angeles. We are actually stronger in that determination. No matter what our political leanings, our race, religion, gender, creed, or country of origin, UMMA will continue to treat its patients, the community, and each other with respect, dignity and compassion as those are our underlying values that have helped us stand tall and move forward these past two decades.

As we learn more about the changes in the healthcare infrastructure, we will be sure to pass what we know on to you, as we need to have continuous exchanges of information and dialogue. Furthermore, we promise that UMMA will not be a passive actor in the healthcare field. We will strive to be active participants to ensure that the needs of our community members are not forgotten in the months and years to come. UMMA will nurture and support compassionate dialogue and eventual infrastructures so that institutional stigma does not maintain a solid footing in the very system that we believe is meant to address and decrease health disparities.

We stand together in solidarity as a community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support.

Dr. Miriam Y. Vega
CEO
UMMA Community Clinic