Every week, for half a day, Mieca Valen sees patients at HealthFinders’ clinic in Owatonna. Some are managing diabetes or high blood pressure. Some need labs updated, medications refilled, or a pap test scheduled. Almost all of them are people who couldn’t easily get this kind of care anywhere else nearby — and many are people HealthFinders has never met before. Mieca is a volunteer. She’s a retired family nurse practitioner who spent more than three decades in family practic

At Together for Health 2026, we were honored to have Tania share her experience with HealthFinders Collaborative. Tania spoke about what community care has meant for her, her family, and the neighbors she supports. These are her remarks, edited lightly for readability. --- Hola. It is a true pleasure to be here today. I am deeply grateful to stand in a room filled with people who not only care for one another, but who dedicate their lives to supporting those most in need. I a

Charlie is in Washington, D.C. this week with hundreds of healthcare leaders from across the country at the National School-Based Health Care Conference. In this video, he shares what he's hearing, why school-based health centers are making such a difference for students and families, and why this moment calls on all of us to strengthen community-based care. His reflections come as HealthFinders continues to see students across it’s school health programs and will be opening

Hear from Francelis and Leopoldo about what community-centered care at HealthFinders has meant in their lives. Their stories reflect the power of care rooted in trust, relationships, and showing up for one another. You can also read Charlie's remarks from Together for Health and see photos from the evening's celebration of community care.

Together for Health 2026 was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community decides to hold up healthcare access together. Neighbors, students, families, healthcare workers, volunteers, donors, and partners gathered to celebrate community care — and to commit to making sure it lasts. The evening was filled with conversation, shared meals, and stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Again and again, speakers reminded us that health happens in community — when people sh

Charlie Mandile’s Remarks from Together for Health 2026 At Together for Health in May 2026, HealthFinders Executive Director Charlie Mandile reflected on HealthFinders’ roots, the challenges facing community healthcare right now, and the power of people coming together to build care that lasts. Below are Charlie’s remarks from the evening, shared as prepared for the event. Tonight, I want to start with something very simple. Think back to the last time you were really sick. M