TNP Legislative Ambassador 2023 | TNP Community Impact Award |
TNP Member Since 2021

Christina Paz, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is the CEO of Centro San Vicente Family Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in El Paso, Texas. A passionate leader, she is dedicated to ensuring quality healthcare for patients across Far West Texas.

Breaking Barriers to Healthcare Access

Imagine living in a community where the nearest healthcare provider is two or three hours away. For many residents in this region, that’s a harsh reality. Geographic isolation, transportation challenges, and socioeconomic factors all create significant barriers to care.

A 2022 El Paso Health Department needs assessment identified a lack of access to care as the most significant healthcare challenge in the area. Recognizing this urgent need, Christina has made it her mission to ensure that “everyone receives the care they deserve.”

Leading with a No-Turn-Away Policy

Under Christina’s leadership, Centro San Vicente operates on a “no-turn-away” policy, meaning every patient receives care, regardless of their ability to pay. This commitment is especially vital in a region with a high number of uninsured individuals.

In 2023 alone, the clinic provided care to 14,278 unduplicated patients across its four strategically located clinics in El Paso. Many patients travel up to two hours to receive services, demonstrating the clinic’s essential role in the broader community.

Expanding Services Amid Challenges

Despite numerous challenges, including the devastating 2019 El Paso shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic, Centro San Vicente has thrived under Christina’s leadership.

Key milestones under her guidance include:

• Expansion of Services– Acquisition of a new building to support home-free women and children, addressing a critical gap in care.
• Innovative Programs– Securing funding for new initiatives, such as a teleoptometry program and a partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso to provide vaccination education and services for underserved populations.
  Community Collaboration – Strengthening relationships with local hospitals, elected officials, and stakeholders to advocate for community healthcare needs and secure essential resources.

Christina credits her board of directors and senior team for their unwavering support in making these advancements possible.

A Leader Who Prioritizes People

Beyond expanding healthcare services, Christina fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance for her staff.

She is also a dedicated advocate for Nurse Practitioners (NPs), serving as a Texas Nurse Practitioner (TNP) Legislative Ambassador. In this role, she actively supports policies that empower NPs and improve healthcare access across Texas.

Christina explained, “We, as Nurse Practitioners, possess a unique perspective, allowing us to see things from every angle – from diagnosing and treating patients to analyzing data – ultimately enabling us to make a meaningful difference within our communities.”

Thank You, Christina!

We are incredibly grateful for Christina’s dedication to patient care, the NP profession, and her commitment to advancing healthcare access in Texas.