Our Journey

Our Mission

To provide quality and accessible healthcare to under-served communities and to provide a patient centered model of care to empower communities towards wellness.

Our Vision

Comprehensive Care for all.

Founder

In the heart of South Los Angeles, Dr. Edgar Chavez stands as a beacon of compassion and excellence in family medicine at Universal Community Health Center (UCHC). As the founder and CEO of UCHC, Dr. Chavez has dedicated over two decades to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Founder

2007 – A Humble Beginning

Dr. Edgar Chavez founded UCHC in a small strip mall in South Los Angeles, determined to bring quality healthcare to the underserved community where he grew up.

2007 – A Humble Beginning

2009 – Becoming an FQHC


UCHC achieved Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, expanding its ability to serve uninsured and underinsured patients with comprehensive healthcare services.

2009 – Becoming an FQHC

2015 – Growth and Technology Integration


UCHC opens its second location, the San Pedro Site, without external grants, proving its financial strength and community support. UCHC also adopted eClinicalWorks (eCW), a digital health record system to enhance patient care.

2015 – Growth and Technology Integration

2018 – Mental Health Becomes a Priority

UCHC integrated Behavioral Health Services, ensuring that patients received comprehensive care that addressed both physical and mental health needs.

2018 – Mental Health Becomes a Priority

2019 – Continued Expansion

UCHC opened its third location, the Central Site, again without outside funding, marking another milestone in its steady growth.

2019 – Continued Expansion

2020 – Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, UCHC stepped up as a critical testing and vaccination site and also introduced telehealth services, ensuring the community had access to life-saving resources.

2020 – Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

2020 - Mobile Healthcare

UCHC partnered with Quincy Jones Elementary to provide mobile healthcare for students and families.

2020 - Mobile Healthcare

2022 – Reaching More Patients


The Almaguer Clinic opened, expanding UCHC’s reach. A second mobile health van was also introduced using COVID-19 relief funds, allowing healthcare services to be delivered directly to the community.

2022 – Reaching More Patients

2023 – Adding Dental Care & New Location


UCHC continued to grow with the opening of its fifth location, the MLK Clinic, and the introduction of dental services, further broadening the range of care provided.

2023 – Adding Dental Care & New Location

2023 – A Landmark Year: Flagship Site Opens


UCHC celebrated the opening of its sixth location—the O’Neill Clinic, its flagship site. Named in honor of Father Jeremiah O’Neill, this clinic became the central hub for UCHC, offering all services under one roof, reinforcing the organization’s mission of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.

2023 – A Landmark Year: Flagship Site Opens

2024 – Addressing Food Insecurity

UCHC launched a Food Pantry to support families struggling with food insecurity, reinforcing its commitment to holistic community wellness. 

2024 – Addressing Food Insecurity

From a small storefront clinic to a multi-site healthcare provider, UCHC’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to the well-being of South Los Angeles.

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