Youth in need of medical or mental health care services can receive the care they need at the Daly City Youth Health Center (DCYHC).
In the area covered by the Jefferson Union High School District, youth between the ages of 13-21 are covered, no matter if they are enrolled as a student or not.
Located at 2780 Junipero Serra Blvd., the DCYHC was founded in 1990 following the completion of a youth health needs assessment conducted by community members. The needs assessment demonstrated significant disparities in the health status and ability to access health services among low-income teens in Daly City. DCYHC started as a safety net primary care clinic in a small office serving 100-150 teens per month, but now it has grown into a comprehensive health and youth development program serving more than 600 teens per month.
The health center also runs health education programs led by peers in both Pacifica high schools, as well as in the Daly City high schools.
The center offers year-round health and youth development programs. The clinic is a satellite facility of the San Mateo Medical Center.
DCYHC found that youth often struggle with English language acquisition, learning disabilities, unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, alcohol/drug abuse, unemployment, crowded housing and a lack of health insurance.
DCYHC developed programs to address these complex problems and needs. They are Behavioral Health Counseling Services, Project PLAY (Peer Leadership Alternatives for Youth), a reproductive health education program and Pathways for Success, a school-to-career/college transition program.
The center holds an annual spring gala, "Spring For Youth," to raise money to continue its valuable programs.
This year, Pacificans Jennifer Ball and Michael Varney will be honored at the gala. The health center's director, Kimberly Gillette, said she chose this particular Pacifica couple because they have been very generous supporters. "Michael has been helpful getting us into the Genentech system so we can get matching gifts. They are thoughtful and creative in ways to promote our services," she said.
The banquet and auction will be emceed by the Honorable Fiona Ma and held next Thursday, April 17, from 6-9 p.m. at Lake Merced Golf Club, 2300 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City.
For more information about the event, call 650-985-7014 or email cnoveras@dalycityyouth.org.