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.
