History

T.H.E. (To Help Everyone) Health and Wellness Centers was founded as T.H.E. Clinic for Women, Inc. in February 1974 by a small group of medical volunteers who sought to bring affordable, quality healthcare to uninsured women in the underserved, economically challenged area of Southwest Los Angeles. These dedicated pioneers included: Vi Verreux, Joan Alpert, Barbara Saunders, Susan Schlager, Debbi Kates, Fredda Draluck, Marilyn Stone, Dr. William E. Merritt, III, Dr. and Mrs. Nagata, and Marilyn Norwood.

Since then, T.H.E. expanded its services beyond its initial focus by adding on primary care, behavioral health, dental and preventive education for men, young adults and children. T.H.E. is now a premier provider and medical home of choice within the community increasing access to health care to people of all ages.

In July of 2011, T.H.E. regained its accreditation by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that evaluates compliance with standards for healthcare facilities. At the same time the Joint Commission awarded T.H.E. its most coveted Gold Seal of Approval® and also designated it as a Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH). T.H.E. was one of the first community health care centers in the nation to be honored for “highest commitment to delivering primary healthcare in a comprehensive, coordinated and accessible model.” It was also the first time that the Joint Commission presented these honors at the same time.

Today, T.H.E. Health and Wellness Centers is a thriving organization and continues to grow in its commitment to providing caring, compassionate, high quality, low-cost health care. It has expanded services to include dental (in two locations) and now has five primary care health centers and one mobile clinic to deliver care throughout Los Angeles. T.H.E.’s skilled and diverse health care professionals speak bring valuable primary care, dental, behavioral, acupuncture, chiropractic, substance use disorder support and preventive health services to T.H.E.’s growing patient population now numbering almost 13,000 men, women, young adults and children.