FEATURE FRIDAY: María Alicia Valenzuela is Committed to Improving Health in AZ and Beyondx

Locally based Advance Community provides programs that strengthen individuals within the Latino community to continue to embrace their cultural heritage while making informed decisions about nutrition and health. The nonprofit organization provides preventative health education, disease management, and treatment in Maricopa County and communities across the globe.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Valenzuela to learn more about the organization, its recent dental mission to Oaxaca, Mexico, and its Scottsdale connections. 

As the chief program officer for Advance Community, you’re responsible for creating programs that build optimal health in under-resourced communities across the globe. Tell us about Advance’s recent dental mission to Oaxaca, Mexico.

At Advance Community, we collaborate with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide essential surgical services to under-resourced communities worldwide. Our programs benefit thousands of families annually by offering a wide range of surgical interventions, including general and pediatric surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedics, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and dental services.

Oral health significantly impacts our overall health and quality of life, and it increases the risks linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. I am immensely grateful to have the opportunity to work with 17 committed volunteers, especially the lead dentist, Dr. Barrios, who is 78 years young. The team was comprised of eight dentists, three doctors, one dental technician, and five support personnel, who provided dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and dentures in addition to general health wellness checks. 

At Advance Community, we collaborate with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide essential surgical services to under-resourced communities worldwide. Our programs benefit thousands of families annually by offering a wide range of surgical interventions, including general and pediatric surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedics, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and dental services.

Oral health significantly impacts our overall health and quality of life, and it increases the risks linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. I am immensely grateful to have the opportunity to work with 17 committed volunteers, especially the lead dentist, Dr. Barrios, who is 78 years young. The team was comprised of eight dentists, three doctors, one dental technician, and five support personnel, who provided dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and dentures in addition to general health wellness checks. 

 Wow, that sounds amazing. How is a trip like this funded?

The medical professionals on these missions solicit donations to offset the trip’s cost. Advance fundraises, provides additional funding, and coordinates the logistics of each team. Through the generosity of our donors, we were able to acquire essential equipment and supplies, including a portable X-ray machine, an Adult Digital Echo Sensor, serums, vitamins, medication, gloves, antiseptics, test strips for glucose tests, and various dental materials. Additionally, the funds covered travel expenses, ensuring that our team could focus on delivering much-needed care.

I’m glad the trip was a success. How many people did the team see while they were there?

Over one week in Oaxaca, the team performed an impressive 597 procedures, providing care to approximately 429 patients. The services provided ranged from routine dental check-ups to complex dental surgeries and dentures, significantly improving the oral health of the local community.

Advance is a global organization, but don’t you serve the Valley, too?

Certainly! Advance Community, formerly known as Esperanca, is a global health organization that focuses on advancing health equity. We connect needs and resources both internationally and locally in Arizona. We actively serve the under-resourced communities across the Valley (Maricopa County) and around the world by utilizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) model. 

Our support extends to providing chronic disease prevention and management, nutrition education for adults and students in Title I schools, summer youth programs, and healthy meals to seniors in subsidized housing. 

When Scottsdale Community College launched their Community Health Worker (CHW) program in 2022, they invited me to share my experiences as a CHW and emphasize the significance of this role for the Valley community. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to inspire others to follow in my footsteps and become CHWs. It’s a vital profession, and we need more people to join and strengthen the workforce.

What’s your favorite program?

One of my favorite programs is Stove to Table, where Advance staff and volunteers prepare and cook 200 healthy and nutritious meals using fresh, local produce from the Advance Garden. Every Tuesday, these meals and essential information about food and nutrition are delivered to seniors living in subsidized housing with limited income, helping them achieve the healthiest, most independent lives possible in their golden years. 

In addition, Advance Community Health Educators, volunteers and students from Creighton University Nursing Program provide blood pressure checks for each senior and teach them about nutrition and health, including how to read and understand food labels so that they know how to make informed choices for their health. Advance served 10,000 meals last year, and we are well on our way to doing the same again this year!

It sure seems like you love your job!

Absolutely! I am incredibly passionate about my work in the communities we serve, as they are the same communities I grew up in. Every day, I witness our impact—whether it’s improving access to resources, promoting preventative measures, or enabling individuals to take control of their well-being. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling, and I am privileged to be a part of a like-minded team making a real difference.

It is gratifying to know that our efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of so many individuals. Our work in the Valley and our recent dental mission exemplify our dedication to advancing community health and reinforce the importance of global healthcare initiatives in creating a healthier and more equitable world.