Our Mission

SMHC was established in 1973 on the principle that healthcare is a right of every citizen, regardless of the individual’s cultural, social or economic circumstance. We are committed to providing quality health care services to individuals and families who lack access to mainstream healthcare.

Our History

Over 35 years ago, a group of concerned neighborhood citizens created SMHC based on the belief that the people in this community were best equipped to determine their healthcare needs. As one of the first community health clinics in San Francisco, SMHC established itself as a leader in the community healthcare movement.

Since then, SMHC has provided family-oriented primary and prevention healthcare services for at-risk population groups in the inner city of San Francisco. SMHC is not a free clinic. We are supported by revenue-generating services as well as federal funding and other public and private resources. Through these resources, SMHC is able to ensure that no one who needs care is refused care.

The Main Clinic is located at 551 Minna Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets and includes a comprehensive dental program for our clients. In 1999, SMHC opened a second site to better serve our older patients. Currently, we serve an average of 5,000 patients annually, 60% of whom are homeless and uninsured.