Tepeyac Community Health Center Expands, Raises Funds for New Clinic

By Kathryn White

Tepeyac Community Health Center will celebrate more than 27 years as a community health provider in Globeville, Elyria and Swansea, and it will fete the opening of its expanded clinic at a fundraising event from 5:30-9 p.m. on Oct. 5.

The 2023 Fiesta on the Plaza, titled “The Miracle of Tepeyac Gala,” will bring together an estimated 700 business and community leaders dedicated to raising funds to support Tepeyac Community Health Center’s mission, which is “to inspire health, wellbeing, and humanity in our community, through all of life’s stages,” according to the organization.

Executive Director Jim Garcia connects this year’s event theme to the naming of the organization more than two decades ago.

“The name Tepeyac refers to the beautiful story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the miracle of the roses that occurred on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico,” Garcia said. “It is a beautiful story that connects with the community and culture of many of our patients, and it is a fitting name for our clinic since the hill of Tepeyac was a place of healing.”

The recently opened 24,500-square-foot clinic at 48th Avenue and Vine Street allows Tepeyac to provide 37,000 patient visits per year, a number unimaginable when the organization’s first clinic, an 800-squarefoot space with two exam rooms, opened its doors at 26th Avenue and Kalamath in 1995.

Tepeyac provides a range of medical care (preventative and primary care, children’s health, pregnancy and women’s health, men’s health, diabetes care, personal health coaching and more). Tepeyac also provides dental services, behavioral health services and a pharmacy. Telehealth visits are also available.

Tepeyac serves patients regardless of their ability to pay, and the organization’s website states that no one will be denied health services due to financial barriers. The Oct. 5 celebratory event will raise money to ensure all community members have access to high-quality, affordable health care in Tepeyac’s beautiful new clinic.

The evening features dinner, a keynote speaker and live paddle raiser in the Seawell Grand Ballroom of the Denver Center for Performing Arts, 1350 Arapahoe St. Individual tickets are $250. Table sponsorships (seating 10 people) range from $3,000 to $50,000.

Tickets and tables can be purchased online at tepeyachealth.org. For more information about sponsorship, contact Development Director Kristin Eklund Weber at 303-249-2852 or kweber@tepeyachealth. org.