Celebrating Hispanic heritage and community health in Sussex County

With so much happening in the world today, it’s easy to lose sight of the deep connections that unite us, and how integral the Hispanic community is to the fabric of Sussex County. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we at La Red Health Center want to take a moment to reflect not just on our shared history, but also on the critical role the Hispanic community has played in shaping who we are and why we are here.

La Red Health Center was born from an unmet need in our community. Individuals were moving into Sussex County who spoke little to no English and were having trouble navigating the healthcare system. They needed help. Healthcare systems can be overwhelming for anyone, but it is even more daunting when you don’t speak the same language.

La Red began as a 24-7 phone line designed to connect individuals, particularly those who didn’t speak English, with healthcare providers. It became clear pretty quickly that more was needed.

Doctors, faith leaders, community organizers and government came together to address a major gap in access to care in Sussex County.

In 2001, a network of physicians was created to address that need. Four years later, La Red was designated Sussex County’s Federally Qualified Health Center, and we became the county’s safety net provider, ensuring that all residents had access to care.

We are proud to have played this role for going on 25 years. Helping people is what we do.

In my years as La Red’s chief medical officer, I’ve had the honor of working alongside some of the most talented and compassionate clinicians anywhere. Our providers consistently deliver exceptional outcomes and set the bar for quality in community health. This reputation draws students and residents from across the country who come to learn from our team’s depth of knowledge and collaborative spirit, and many choose to stay, building their careers here and continuing to serve Sussex County residents both at La Red and in other healthcare systems.

La Red prides itself on providing community-based solutions to Sussex County’s healthcare challenges. A powerful example is our Rural Reentry Program, which supports justice-involved individuals by connecting them with the medical and behavioral health services they need to successfully transition back into the community. In just one year, the program has grown rapidly and is making a clear, positive impact on people’s lives.

When you walk into our lobby, you will see all of Sussex County reflected in our patients. We care for everyone, regardless of income, background or beliefs. And we are deeply proud of the role we play in keeping our community healthy, safe and strong.

None of this would have been possible without the vision and dedication of our founders: Dr. Anthony M. Policastro, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, Gonzalo Martinez, the Rev. Jim Lewis, Barbara De Bastiani, Allison Burris Castellanos and three extraordinary Carmelite nuns: Sisters Ascensión Banegas, Rosa Álvarez and María Mairlot. Their commitment to health equity and community service lives on in every patient we serve.

In Spanish, La Red translates into “The Network,” and that is what we seek to be: a network of care that improves the lives of all Sussex County residents. At La Red, we celebrate our heritage and its ties to the Hispanic community.

We are proud of our past and even more excited about our future. Together, with the support of the Hispanic community and all of Sussex County, we will continue building a healthier Sussex County for everyone.