Big Sur Health Center

Mission

The Big Sur Health Center is a nonprofit that exists to serve the health and wellness needs of the Big Sur community by providing quality healthcare through traditional and complementary approaches that are culturally sensitive and patient-centered. It is our quest to be a lifelong healthcare partner for all in Big Sur, regardless of need or ability to pay.

The Big Idea

Our Big Idea may not be new, but it has become increasingly significant for our community. Our goal is to assure access to healthcare for all, especially the low-income and uninsured members of the Big Sur community. The past two years have been challenging for Big Sur with the devastation of the Soberanes Fire in 2016, and the relentless storms of 2017. Seventy-five percent of our community was displaced; many left homeless and/or without jobs. The community is still trying to recover from the effects of the demolished Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and the closure of Highway 1 from the Mud Creek slide. As businesses suffered, employees were either laid off or reduced to part-time, leaving many without health insurance. In 2018, we saw a steep rise in uninsured patients, from 5% to 13%. Our mission is to provide access to all, regardless of ability to pay.

Last summer, I was treated at your office free of charge because I was down and out, unemployed, and with no money. Thank you for your generosity when I was in need. Enclosed is a check for $100. Please use this to provide health care to someone who cannot pay for it themselves.

- Natalie Smith (surname changed due to HIPAA)