Community. (Photo by Clay Banks via Unsplash)
TrueCare and Palomar Family Counseling Service plan to merge operations Sept. 1 in a move the nonprofit organizations say will preserve behavioral health services while expanding access to whole-person care in North San Diego County.
The merger brings together San Marcos-based TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center, and Palomar Family Counseling Service, an Escondido-based nonprofit that has provided behavioral health support in North County since 1956.
TrueCare has locations in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Escondido and Ramona, in addition to Perris in Southwest Riverside County.
Palomar Family Counseling services in Escondido, Vista and Fallbrook will continue without interruption, according to a June 16 announcement. Programs and care provided in 42 local schools will also remain in place, including prevention and early intervention services, school partnerships, counseling and support programs such as Dinosaur School.
“For nearly seventy years we have been the constant among the variables — a trusted, open-hearted presence showing up for North County families with respect, empowerment, and unwavering support,” PFCS Executive Director Lisa Turner said in the announcement. “This merger with TrueCare allows us to nurture that capacity even more deeply, integrating our specialized counseling and community programs into a broader whole-person care.”
The combined organization is expected to serve 80,000 people annually, with services including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, pediatric care, WIC and other support programs.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome PFCS to the TrueCare family,” TrueCare President and CEO Michelle D. Gonzalez said in the announcement. “When organizations with a shared mission, shared values, and deep roots in the community come together, we create new opportunities to improve lives. This merger allows us to build on our collective strengths, preserve access to care for the more than 6,000 individuals and families served by PFCS each year, and expand our ability to deliver integrated whole-person care for generations to come.”
Palomar Family Counseling Service will make a $100,000 contribution to the Escondido Community Foundation before the merger, according to the announcement.
“Through this merger, even more children and families will have seamless access to comprehensive health care, helping achieve better outcomes and greater overall well-being,” TrueCare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marie Russell said.