ravenswood-family-health-network

Ravenswood Family Health Network

Background

Established in 2001, Ravenswood Family Health Network (RFHN) is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) headquartered in East Palo Alto, California. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality, culturally competent primary and preventive healthcare services to underserved communities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, regardless of patients' ability to pay. RFHN operates multiple clinic sites, including Ravenswood Family Health Center, Ravenswood Family Dentistry, and MayView Community Health Centers in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale.

Key Strategic Focus

RFHN's strategic focus centers on delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care through a whole-person approach. The organization emphasizes integrated primary and preventive healthcare services, including pediatrics, women's health, family medicine, integrated behavioral health, dental, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, pharmacy, mammography, ultrasound, x-ray, lab, social services, health education, and health coverage enrollment. By offering a diverse range of services, RFHN aims to address the multifaceted health needs of its community.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit FQHC, RFHN's funding primarily comes from federal and state grants, patient fees, and donations. The organization has demonstrated financial resilience, with a reported revenue of approximately $80.5 million per year and a staff of over 271 employees. RFHN's financial position is considered strong, with a low funding vulnerability score of 79 out of 100, indicating effective management and sustainability.

Pipeline Development

RFHN continually expands its services to meet the evolving health needs of its community. In 2020, the organization acquired MayView Community Health Center, thereby extending its reach into Santa Clara County and enhancing its service offerings. Additionally, RFHN plans to open a dental clinic in Redwood City in February 2026, in partnership with the Sequoia Healthcare District, to address the need for more dental services that accept Medi-Cal patients.

Technological Platform and Innovation

RFHN utilizes modern electronic health record (EHR) systems, specifically NextGen, to manage patient information efficiently. This technological platform supports the organization's commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Leadership Team

RFHN's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

• Gralyn Jacques, MBA – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Jaime Chavarria, MD – Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

• Yogita Thakur, DDS, MS – Chief Dental Officer

• Amirhamzeh Shafiee, M.Sc., CPA – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Luisa Buada, RN, BSN, MPH – Director of Capital Projects

• Wilma Balmonte, MBA – Controller

• Sonia Cardenas, MS-HCA – Director of Staff Development

• Jeremiah Davis, MD – Associate Medical Director, Pediatrics

• Sandra Escobar, PhD – Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Services and Social Services

• Varsha Gadgil, RPh, PIC – Pharmacy Director

• LaRae Garrigan, CPC, NCP – Director of the Billing Cycle

• Thuy Loan-Phan – Optometry Director

• Kim Rufus – Director of Decision Support, IT/AV and HIMS

• Sonia Santana, MD, OB/GYN – Associate Medical Director, Women's Health

• Christy Silva, MBA – Quality & Project Management Officer

• Trinidell Thompson – Director of Human Resources

• Julia Tse, MD – Associate Medical Director, Family Medicine

• Jessica Yee, MURP, MPH – Director of Development, Planning and Evaluation

• Sheila Valdivia, RN – Director of Nursing Services

The Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight, with members including:

• Fred Mondragon – Chair

• Siteri Maravou – Vice Chair

• Adrian Amaral – Treasurer

• VJ Periyakoil, MD – Secretary

• Melieni Falemaka Talakai – Parliamentarian

• Julio Garcia

• Marcelline Combs

• Senseria Conley

• Genesis Cerna

• Chantal Volel-Torres – Board Liaison

Competitor Profile

RFHN operates in a competitive healthcare landscape, serving a diverse and underserved population. Key competitors include other community health centers and healthcare providers in the Bay Area. For instance, Bay Area Community Health is a regional competitor with a similar mission and service offerings.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

RFHN has established significant collaborations to enhance its service delivery:

• Sequoia Healthcare District: Partnered to open a dental clinic in Redwood City, addressing the need for dental services.