State Recognition for Focus on Pediatric Health

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

January 5, 2024 – The state of California is recognizing Salinas Valley Health’s rural health clinic in Gonzales for exceptional efforts in keeping pediatric patients healthy with outstanding immunization rates. The California Public Health Department (CDPH) issued a Certificate of Achievement to Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center (TFFH&WC) for successfully vaccinating more than 76% of infant and toddler patients against preventable and dangerous illness.

“We are a part of this community,” says Christine Ponzio, MD, Medical Director at Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center. “The high vaccination rates we achieve for our young and vulnerable patient population reflect the trust and connection we have with parents in this community. We are culturally sensitive to their needs and educate them with facts that help protect their children. They know we care.”

A congratulatory letter from CDPH and the Academy of Pediatrics, California applauds the staff for a tremendous effort, indicating vaccination rates above 70% in the category monitored is an exceptional achievement for any immunization program and demonstrates a high level of service to the community.

The California Vaccines for Children Program monitors quality improvement metrics and considers high vaccination rates for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, chickenpox, and pneumococcal especially relevant to delivering excellent care for two year old patients.

“We built the Gonzales clinic to improve access to vital healthcare services to thousands of families,” says Allen Radner, MD, Interim President/CEO at Salinas Valley Health. “Taylor Farms shared our vision of providing quality care and a broad range of medical services to a traditionally underserved community. Our team does incredible work and deserves this state recognition.”

Salinas Valley Health opened TFFH&WC in 2015 and with additional investments by Salinas Valley Health and Taylor Farms, an expansion project in 2020 more than doubled the size of the facility. TFFH&WC is accepting new patients for primary care. Learn more at SalinasValleyHealth.com/Gonzales