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Our History

South of Market Health Center (SMHC) was established in the State of California as a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1973. SMHC first received federal funding in 1975 and became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) at the program’s inception in 1989. SMHC’s legal name is San Francisco Medical Center Outpatient Improvement Programs, Inc. (SFMCOIP). South of Market Health Center was one of the first community health centers in San Francisco, which originated as a direct response to the city’s lack of healthcare services for underserved populations.

In 2023, SMHC celebrated its 50th anniversary and changed its name to Equity Health. Although our name changed, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure access to equable, affordable, quality healthcare for our patients. We remain dedicated to expanding healthcare accessibility, irrespective of cultural, social, ethnic, or economic differences.

For 50 years, we have believed that providing healthcare is a fundamental human right. The shift to Equity Health marks a new era – a commitment to our patients for becoming their wellness partner for generations to come.

Our Mission

Equity Health provides quality health and wellness services with an emphasis on compassion, prevention, and a patient-centered focus. We believe in excellent healthcare for everyone in our community and are dedicated to being relevant and accessible to all.

Our Community

South of Market Health Center (SMHC) was established in California as a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1973. SMHC first received federal funding in 1975 and became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) at the program’s inception in 1989.

Our patients often have a combination of mental and physical health problems and we believe that by helping them overcome these health challenges, we can help close the gap in health disparities in the areas we serve.

Equity Health is constantly striving to expand access to basic health services. We now have three additional sites in San Francisco providing dental, pediatric, and mental health services for the community. We are proud to provide specialty care including podiatry and genetic counseling.

Our Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

Equity Health is committed to ensuring the linguistic needs and cultural differences of our members are met and provides an array of services through internal sources and external partnerships.

We provide access to individuals who are trained, professional interpreters. Equity Health offers face-to-face or telephonic interpreter services that may be arranged through our translation services that are available 24/7. Approximately 150 languages are available to assist providers and members in communicating with each other when there are no other translators available for the language.

TDD access is available to members who are hearing-impaired.
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