Central Valley NHMA Earns 2026 Chapter of the Year Honor
The Central Valley Chapter of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) has been named the 2026 NHMA Chapter of the Year, a prestigious national recognition honoring the chapter’s outstanding clinical excellence, dedication to service, and commitment to advancing health equity for Hispanic and underserved communities.
The award was presented during the 2026 NHMA Annual Conference in Leesburg, Va., where chapter leaders accepted the honor on May 29.
The National Hispanic Medical Association is the nation's leading nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Hispanic and Latino communities through leadership, advocacy, education, and workforce development.
Founded through a collaborative effort among physicians, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and educational partners, the Central Valley Chapter was established with support from Kern Community College District’s (CCD’s) HEAL initiative, which serves as a convener and catalyst for collaboration among healthcare, education, and community partners. Since its founding, the chapter has focused on expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and addressing health disparities throughout the region.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and collaboration of so many individuals who share a common vision of improving the health of our communities,” said Rebecca Rivera, MD, co-chair of the NHMA Central Valley Chapter. “We work alongside members of our medical community to promote equitable healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and support underserved populations. We are also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals by engaging with youth throughout our region. I am incredibly grateful to our founding members and partners who have helped build this chapter. It truly takes a village.”
Founding members of the NHMA Central Valley Chapter include:
- Rebecca Rivera, MD
- Elva Lopez, MD
- Eric Zamora, MD
- Maritza Robles Orozco, NP
- Carlos Álvarez, MD
- Pam Álvarez, RN
- Carlos Flores, PA
- Seth Garza, DC
- Stephanie Garcia, MD
- Norma Rojas
- Stephanie Vega
- Latinx Advisory
- Kern Community College District
Through the collaboration with Kern CCD, the chapter’s work has included community outreach initiatives, health education efforts, mentorship opportunities for students, and advocacy aimed at reducing healthcare disparities across the Central Valley.
“The Chapter of the Year recognition is a celebration of partnership, service, and a shared commitment to our communities,” said Kern CCD Chancellor Steven Bloomberg. “Through the HEAL initiative, we have been honored to support a group of leaders who are opening doors for students, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and making a lasting impact throughout the Central Valley.”
Among the chapter’s founding partners are Adventist Health physicians who have helped shape the organization’s growth and impact by providing leadership, engagement, and a commitment to caring for underserved communities. This dedication has helped position NHMA Central Valley as a model for healthcare collaboration and workforce development.
“I am incredibly proud of our Adventist Health Medical Group physicians who continue to lead this space with both excellence and compassion,” said Arby Nahapetian, MD, chief clinical officer for Adventist Health. “Their commitment to innovation, quality care, and service to our underserved communities reflects the very best of who we are as a healthcare organization. This national recognition is a testament to the meaningful impact they are making throughout the Central Valley and beyond.”
The Chapter of the Year designation recognizes NHMA chapters that demonstrate exceptional leadership, community engagement, and measurable contributions toward advancing health equity and improving healthcare outcomes.
