Alma Hernández has been coming to Gracelight Community Health since 2008. Back then, she was living on Sunol and had just given birth to her oldest son, who was eight months old at the time. A few years later, she welcomed her youngest daughter at Gracelight, an experience she still talks about with joy. “It was amazing,” she said. “I’ve never had a bad experience here.”
Alma and her husband are raising three kids, two boys and a five-year-old daughter, and they’ve all received care through Gracelight over the years. “With my medical coverage, I’ve been able to take care of myself and my kids,” she said. “I had a complicated case with the County, and Karina helped me with it. Thank you for that.”
She said what stands out most about her care is how willing the team is to help. “They really do have the disposition to help,” she said. “Everyone is kind and respectful.”
Alma mentioned a few people who always make her visits easier, like Giovani from the pharmacy, who she described as very friendly, and Karina, who’s helped her many times. “The attention here is excellent,” she said, adding with a laugh that the front desk could improve their customer service. “Everyone else is wonderful.”
After so many years as a patient, Alma said she still feels supported every time she visits the East 3rd Health Center. She plans to return soon for a new appointment with Dr. Goretti Garcia and said it best herself: “Gracelight has always treated my family and me with care. That’s why I keep coming back.”
Story Seeker: Healthcare Advocate Karina Flores for Echo Park