Amistad Y Salud

Our Mission is to provide free primary health care, preventive services, and education to those in need and without access to health care throughout the greater Tucson area. 

Testimonials

PATIENTS

Julia has been working all her life from a very young age. Without work, she says, “no como, no tengo casa:” it is a necessity for her survival. Around 2013, she found herself in very poor health. She had children to support and was growing incapable of working due to high blood pressure and other problems. With little support and no access to health care, Julia she was set up with her first appointment at Clínica Amistad. Over time, she had treatments for blood pressure, diabetes and more. 

Through Clínica, she was able to receive mammograms, and emergency treatment for appendicitis and pancreatitis. The quick response to these ensured she did not require surgery. Her spirits are very high because she just found out her blood pressure is normal and her blood sugar and diabetes are controlled. Her good health empowers her to take care of her youngest son, who struggles with anxiety and is now scheduled for an appointment at Clínica.

Manuela has been coming to Clínica Amistad since its early days. She initially sought help for high blood pressure that was causing her so much difficulty with breathing that she often could barely get out of bed. A friend recommended the clinic, and over time, her blood pressure has become well-managed with the medication she now receives through Clínica. Today, Manuela continues to come in regularly to manage her prescriptions for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

Manuela appreciates how Clínica Amistad has made her medications affordable and accessible, sparing her from the high costs of private doctors. Thanks to the clinic, she can literally breathe easier and lead a more active life.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

Jack started volunteering at Clínica Amistad two summers ago, he knew he loved it from the jump, starting out first with vitals and then working his way to being a PCP helper. Clínica’s mission of serving the underserved resonates deeply with him, especially when it comes to those who face barriers of language, among many others. Volunteering here gave him a firsthand view of healthcare disparities, which he hopes to work against through research in the future. The clinical experience and patient interaction has been transformative for him, revealing the importance of the patients’ stories and how health conditions impact who people are. His time here will guide him on the path to becoming a physician, and he hopes to volunteer in a place like Clínica one day.

Ryan’s long-term goals to help those who lack health education or the ability to access health care. He believes that healthcare is a human right and should not come at a cost to those seeking help. He now feels far more comfortable in a clinical setting administering tests and communicating with patients even across language barriers. He is thinking about pursuing family medicine, and he recognizes how important it is to be able to work with patients from different backgrounds- something he is getting much practice in at Clínica. He is currently applying to medical schools, and every time he comes into the clinic and sees the work firsthand, it reinforces the vision he has for his career as a doctor.

VOLUNTEER PROVIDER

Ramesh Karra, MD (Primary Care) volunteers at Clínica Amistad to maintain the continuity of care that he misses working in emergency medicine. He values the opportunity to provide primary care, frequently dealing with chronic disease management and some acute care and procedures. Many of the clinic's patients are uninsured, and Dr. Karra recognizes the importance that places like Clínica have for communities in the Tucson area.

Dr. Karra appreciates the opportunity to improvise and adapt his skills to a more resource constrained environment. The need for a judicious use of resources encourages him to be more careful and detailed in his Clínical assessments, which he believes enhances his skills as a physician in the hospital setting. Over his ten years at Clínica Dr. Karra has built strong relationships with patients and their families, getting to see them return time and again. He finds it immensely gratifying when patients bring family members to see him for care, as it reflects the trust that he has developed within the community.