Zócalo Health

Meet Erik Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Zócalo Health, a tech-enabled primary care provider that is expanding access to community healthcare in the United States. Using a community-focused care model, Zócalo Health deploys community care workers to meet people where they are - helping deliver complex essential healthcare and social needs where it’s needed most. Through Reckitt Catalyst, Zócalo Health is scaling its model to continue providing value-based care that improve outcomes and reduces costs for more families and underserved communities. Watch the video to hear how the Zócalo Health team is working to improve community healthcare. #ThisisReckitt #ReckittCatalyst #HealthEquity #CommunityCare

Grateful. Inspired. Energized. I’m deeply grateful to have represented MitoKhon Advisors, LLC last week at Salud, an incredible event hosted by Zócalo Health during LA Tech Week — bringing together innovators at the intersection of technology and healthcare who are dedicated to closing gaps in care for Latino communities. A heartfelt thank you to the Zócalo Health team for creating such a vibrant space for dialogue, connection, and purpose-driven collaboration. Events like these remind us that real innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s born in community. By coming together, sharing lived experiences, and co-designing solutions, we take meaningful steps toward a future where health equity and innovation move hand in hand. #LATechWeek #ZocaloHealth #HealthEquity #Innovation #Community #DigitalHealth #ValueBasedCare #MitoKhonAdvisors

Merced United had the honor of presenting at ¡Salud! 2025 hosted by Zócalo Health during LA Tech Week.🤝🏼 
We’re grateful to Zócalo Health Co-Founders Erik Cardenas and Mariza H. for creating a powerful space centered on health for Latino communities and for welcoming Merced into the conversation. MU President Daniel Jovan Pulido and Vice President Christopher Bernal presented on Merced United, focused on sharing the nearly 50 years of grassroots-to-multisport growth, how we serve 4,000+ program partipants annually, our new scholarships that removes cost barriers for Medi-Cal families, and so much more about how we impact Merced through our programs. The MU leaders showcased how Merced United treats sport as civic infrastructure by linking wellness, education, and leadership. That conversation flowed into “Investing in Our Communities for a Healthier Future,” where Jovan joined Vanessa Garcia-Brito (Nike Chief Impact Officer) and Nora Vargas (Former San Diego County Board of Supervisors) on a panel to discuss expanding access to youth sports, the realities our communities face, and the systems changes needed so young people can learn, play, and thrive. One of the most beautiful moments of the night was when Erik Cardenas reflected on one of his first visits to Merced, when Jovan provided a tour around town, he quickly felt like MU was familia and he knew we were doing something special here. We’re excited and committed to the road ahead. Together with partners across health, education, tech, and sport, we’ll keep building programs and places where our Merced United comMUnity experiences sport equity, belonging, and opportunity.🔴⚪️⚫️ #mercedunited #nevergiveup #ZocaloHealth

The Spanish term for "health" is "salud." While most often in reference to the status of our health, salud is also commonly used as a cheer before a toast, "to health!" Last week it was also the title of a convening for leaders focused on leveraging technology and community care to advance the health and well-being of Latinxs in the US. During this brief two hour event Erik Cardenas and Mariza H. were able to pack in conversations that amplified the need for health plans to address uninsured and underinsured populations, the role of philanthropy and local government to fund non-medical preventive care initiatives, and the importance of local partnerships and community led initiatives not only to drive clients toward healthcare but to amplify existing leadership. At the core of the convening was the message that community takes care of community. While distrust in healthcare is increasing due to federal changes and funding cuts, it’s comunidad that will care, treat, and protect one another. Thank you Zócalo Health for your thoughtfulness and intentionality in planning this event and wishing you ongoing success as you spread this message across the ecosystem! !Salud!

I had the privilege of attending Salud @ L.A. Tech Week, presented by Zócalo Health. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by people deeply committed to expanding access to care for underserved communities. The panel discussions were filled with insightful and passionate leaders. One of the most powerful themes was the importance of supporting one another, especially during challenging times. Les Ybarra (President, Anthem Blue Cross) emphasized how innovation becomes even more critical when resources are stretched and communities are relying on us to persevere. Pooja Mittal (Chief Health Equity Officer, Health Net) highlighted the value of building coalitions across organizations to drive meaningful change. Her message about staying connected to our purpose—our “why”—really resonated with me. It’s that sense of mission that fuels the work we do. Efrain Talamantes (Chief Operating Officer, AltaMed) spoke about the role of technology in bridging gaps in care. In moments when people are hesitant or unable to seek help due to fear or lack of access, innovation can be the key to reaching them. Technology is reshaping how we deliver care and expanding our ability to serve those who need it most. Grateful to have been part of this inspiring event. Let’s keep pushing forward with purpose, collaboration, and innovation.

Had the privilege to spend the evening with Amanda Diaz and attend ¡Salud! Hosted by Zócalo Health at LA Tech week yesterday. Salud! focused on topics in advancing Latino health, access and equity. Grateful to Erik Cardenas and Mariza H. for the invite and the Zócalo Health team for creating such a powerful space for connection. It was inspiring to hear from leaders driving change across the industry for our community — from reimagining provider systems for Medicaid and the uninsured, to investing in healthier communities, to hearing how Nike is making sports more accessible for Latino youth and families. Conversations like these remind me why representation, collaboration and policy advocacy matter more than ever.

"The burdens are heavy, but so is our responsibility to act." For communities like us, our healthcare system is in trouble. Erik Cardenas and the team at Zócalo Health are doing something about it. ¡SALUD! @ L.A. Tech Week is bringing together leaders in healthcare to address this head on. If you know someone in healthcare that should be joining us next week in LA, please let me know.