OUR HISTORY

The Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers was founded during a pivotal era of transformation—emerging from the early waves of healthcare reform and fueled by a bold spirit of innovation. What began in the early 1970s as an informal alliance among ten visionary community-based organizations has grown into a leading force for primary care and advocacy in Orange County.

These pioneering executive directors and clinic managers came together with a shared purpose: to exchange best practices, pool resources, and strengthen their collective voice through trust and collaboration. Even in those early days, their mission was clear—to build access points for health and social services for Orange County’s medically under-resourced and historically excluded communities.

Their efforts culminated in April 1974, with the formal incorporation of the Coalition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

OUR CORE VALUES

We believe in:

The inherent dignity of every person and respect and appreciation of all communities.

Quality, affordable health care as a basic necessity.

The cooperation between the public and private sectors in meeting the health care needs of all communities.

The responsible use of public and private resources.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to supporting the needs of our members through service, education, advocacy, and resources so that they can effectively serve their communities.