THE VG VOICE
THE VG VOICE
April 2026
Welcoming Our New Executive Director
Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation is thrilled to introduce Lorena Carrillo as our new Executive Director. Lorena brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit and public service, a deep commitment to community-centered leadership, and a passion for advancing equitable access to health and opportunity.
In her own words:
"At the heart of my work has always been a simple belief that people come first. Every strong, healthy community is built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to care for one another. That is what drew me to Virginia Garcia, and what makes this work so meaningful."
We are excited for what this next chapter holds, and we look forward to introducing Lorena to more of our community in the months ahead.
We Raised $1.2 Million for Mobile Health — Here's What That Means
This past year, Virginia Garcia's 50th anniversary was as moment to celebrate and a moment to look ahead. Through the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and public and private grants, a community-wide investment of $1.2 million is strengthening and expanding our Mobile Health Program.
So what does that mean?
It means care is available in more places, reaching people where they live, work, and gather. It means fewer barriers related to transportation, time, and navigating complex systems. It means more consistent connections to care that support long-term health.
Mobile Health is built on relationships and trust. By showing up in fields, parking lots, and community spaces, care becomes more accessible, more responsive, and more trusted. Over the past year, our mobile team has continued to meet patients in the moments that matter, offering not only clinical services but continuity and connection.
Virginia Garcia's mobile team provides A1C testing at a local nursery — preventative care, right where people are.
As Virginia Garcia looks ahead, this investment strengthens a model of care that expands access and advances health across the region. We are proud of what this community made possible, and grateful to everyone who invested in this vision alongside us.
Expanding Whole-Person Care: A New Physical Therapy Partnership
Virginia Garcia and George Fox University have teamed up to launch a physical therapy pilot program, supported in part by a grant secured by our Foundation team that equipped our clinical spaces for physical therapy services.
Becky Dobler, Director of Interprofessional Education and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at George Fox University, brings integrated physical therapy to Virginia Garcia patients.
By embedding physical therapy within primary care, patients can now access timely, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain and musculoskeletal concerns at the same clinic where they already receive care. This model supports early intervention, encourages non-opioid pain management, and promotes long-term health outcomes including improved daily functioning and mobility. It is a natural extension of Virginia Garcia's integrated care model, which brings primary care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health together to support the whole health of every patient.
The pilot is now underway at our Newberg Wellness Center, with plans to expand across all Virginia Garcia primary care sites as the program grows. All Virginia Garcia patients are eligible through this partnership or by referral within their local community.
This is what whole-person care looks like in practice, and we are excited to see it grow.
Join Us for Virginia Garcia Friends & Family Night at McMenamins
Save the date: On Tuesday, May 26, McMenamins Cedar Hills is hosting Virginia Garcia for a Friends & Family Night and we would love to see you there.
From 5pm to close, 50% of all dine-in sales will be donated to Virginia Garcia. All you have to do is show up, enjoy a great meal, and know that every bite makes a difference. Members of our Foundation team will be there too, so come say hello!
More details to come. We hope to see you May 26!