The Soledad Community Health Care District, originally named The Soledad Community Hospital District, was organized in 1948. In the early years the district’s service to the community was limited to providing ambulance service to the City of Soledad and surrounding areas. As years passed, it became apparent that the feasibility of developing a hospital became less and less a reality.  Efforts were then directed toward opening a medical clinic and skilled nursing facility. In 1989, the District opened the Soledad Medical Clinic, an outpatient family medicine rural health clinic.  In 1993, Eden Valley Care Center was opened and is located adjacent to the medical clinic on a 2 1/2 acre campus.

The Soledad Medical Clinic provides high quality healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the people of Soledad and surrounding communities.  We are committed to providing broad access to high quality health care for infants, children, adults and seniors and administer a wide range of programs which greatly enhance access.  Demand continues to grow with the population of the area.  Soledad is the fastest growing city in Monterey County.  The Clinic provides the service of medical professionals specializing in family practice, women’s health and podiatry.  The Clinic also provides X-ray and ultrasound services and nutritional counseling through our Registered Dietitian. Services are provided by Physicians, Physician Assistants-Certified, Medical Assistants and support staff. Last year the clinic provided over 22,000 visits.

The Eden Valley Care Center provides an unusually high level of patient care.  The exceptional level of care, and related patient services, are provided by highly trained and conscientious employees.  The quality of the patient living environment is further enhanced by the dedication of a legion of community volunteers who give their time in support of resident activities and programs.  This volunteer support finds itself expressed in assisting with feeding, bingo, singing, visiting, and gardening and social and religious activities.  The unique amenities of Eden Valley include a fully functioning “Happy Days” soda shop, Atrium, fireside room, and a beauty shop.  Visible to all and accessible by wheelchair is “Rosie’s Garden” a garden that is filled with hundreds of plants, vines and flowers that residents and families enjoy throughout all the seasons of the year.

SERVING A GROWING HIGH NEED POPULATION
The Soledad Community Health Care District has been federally designated as a Medically Under Served Area as well as serving a Medically Under Served Population on the basis of demographic data.  The four criteria used to determine this are the percentage of families living at or below poverty level, the number of residents over 65, the number of primary care physicians serving the area, and the infant mortality rate.

Typical clients at the clinic are low-income migrant families and their children.  The Soledad Rural Health Clinic is their primary source of care. Their healthcare needs are many and varied, as are the cultural and economic barriers they face to good health.  Many of our clients have multiple health issues.

The population of Soledad at recent census was just under 23,000.  The population of the surrounding communities and rural areas in south Monterey County add an additional 30,000 people. The majority of these residents seek care from health care providers in the south county area to avoid the 30-minute drive to Salinas or King City.  Many of the residents do not have access to an automobile and public transportation is poor.  The 30 miles can sometimes be an insurmountable barrier. It can make the difference in seeking timely and adequate care.

Soledad is the fastest growing community in Monterey County. As compared to the more urban areas of Monterey County the population is statistically lower in income, larger in family size, a larger percentage minority and predominantly employed in agriculture.  During the next 5 years the City's population is expected to grow by at least 50%, with approximately another 1,000+ homes built.   As the community grows, so do their health care needs.  Identifying and meeting the needs of those in our community is our priority. Soledad Rural Health Clinic is seeking to grow its capacity to meet the growing local demand.