About Us

About Pura Vida Community Clinic

Pura Vida Community Clinic was built for one purpose — to take care of the people who take care of our city. We are a community-based, community-supported clinic created to bring quality healthcare to every neighbor, every family, and every person who walks through our doors, regardless of income, background, or insurance status.

Our story begins with a simple belief: healthcare shouldn’t feel stressful, distant, or out of reach. It should feel human. It should feel like home.

Our Mission

To provide compassionate, accessible medical care and support services to underserved individuals and families — with dignity, respect, and zero judgment.

Community at Our Core

Our clinic exists because the community believed in us. From volunteers who give their time, to donors who share our mission, to neighbors who trust us with their care — Pura Vida Community Clinic is built by the community, for the community.

Every service we provide is part of a larger promise:

to be here when people need us the most.

What Makes Us Different

We listen. We show up. We don’t turn people away. Pura Vida Community Clinic is more than a clinic — it’s a safe space where people are treated like family. Our team includes doctors, nurses, volunteers, and local partners who share the same goal: to make healthcare easier and more comforting for those who need it most.

We take pride in creating a welcoming environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.

How We Serve

We offer a wide range of services, including

Primary care
Preventive screenings
Women’s health
Chronic disease management
Mental health support
Community outreach
Free health days
Health education and workshops
Referrals and assistance programs

Each service is delivered with warmth, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves access to reliable healthcare.

Our Vision

To create a healthier, stronger, and more connected community — one patient, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

Our Invitation

Whether you come to us for care, volunteer your time, or support our mission, you’re part of the Pura Vida family.

We’re honored to serve you, stand with you, and grow with you.

Pura Vida Community Clinic
Where healthcare feels human.

Great Doctors Providing the Best Free Care

Dr. Javier Ruiz, MD

Dr. Javier Ruiz has been serving patients since 2015, focusing on adult internal medicine. He received his MD from UCLA and completed his training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Ruiz is dedicated to preventive health, patient education, and compassionate care, helping patients navigate their health journeys with confidence and understanding.

Dr. Ana Morales, MD

Dr. Ana Morales has been a volunteer physician since 2012. She earned her MD from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at UCSF. Dr. Morales specializes in preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient education. She is passionate about providing healthcare access to underserved communities and believes in a holistic approach that treats both body and mind.

Dr. Sofia Alvarez, MD

Dr. Sofia Alvarez has been volunteering since 2016. She earned her MD from the University of Miami and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Alvarez is committed to pediatric care and family health, supporting children and families in maintaining healthy lifestyles and managing chronic conditions. She is known for her warm, patient-centered approach.

Dr. Miguel Santos, MD

Dr. Miguel Santos has been practicing since 2014 and specializes in internal medicine and urgent care. He completed his MD at Yale School of Medicine and trained at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Santos focuses on community health, preventive medicine, and complex patient care, working closely with patients to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Quick Facts About Us

Pura Vida Community Clinic was established to serve our local community with compassionate, accessible healthcare, bringing together dedicated healthcare professionals and community supporters.

Pura Vida Community Clinic provides quality healthcare to community members who may not have access to affordable primary care, including both working individuals and those currently unemployed.

Pura Vida Community Clinic thrives thanks to the generosity of donors, grants, and the dedication of our volunteers, all working together to provide essential healthcare to those in need.

Even with statewide healthcare initiatives, a significant portion of our community remains without coverage. Pura Vida Community Clinic is committed to bridging this gap, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical care.

At Pura Vida Community Clinic, all medical services are provided at no cost to our patients, including exams, diagnostic and lab testing, and most prescription medications.

By providing accessible, preventive care within the community, Pura Vida Community Clinic helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, saving both patients and the broader healthcare system time and money.

What Makes Pura Vida Unique