Our Visionary Founder
Dr. América
Dr. América
Bracho
Transforming the paradigm of public health by addressing root causes—inequity and poverty—through the power of community.
Founder & CEO
MD & MPH
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"The community is not the problem... they are the solution."
The Journey
From Venezuela to Santa Ana
Born on the eastern coast of Venezuela, América Bracho was raised in a family of educators. Her father, a chemistry professor, taught her a lesson that would define her life: "Neutrality is a chemical concept that only applies to litmus paper." In the real world, she learned, one cannot be neutral in the face of injustice.
As a young doctor in rural Venezuela, she faced a heartbreaking cycle: treating children for parasites only to see them return weeks later because their families lacked clean water. Frustrated by "prescribing salt and water" without attacking the root causes, she left clinical practice to pursue Public Health at the University of Michigan.
In 1993, she founded Latino Health Access in Santa Ana, CA, with a mission to unlearn institutional oppression and prove that health is a human right, not a privilege.
Expertise & Recognition
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Documented in HBO's "The Weight of the Nation"
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International expert in community mobilization
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Renowned TEDMED speaker and storyteller
Global Impact
"We don't visit the neighborhood; we are the neighborhood organized."
The Philosophy of Equity
Equity vs. Equality
Dr. Bracho challenges the concept of "equality" when needs are different. True equity means giving each person what they need to reach the apple.
Power as "Yo Puedo"
She redefines power not as corruption, but as the verb "to be able to" (I can). Empowerment is reclaiming the conviction that we can change our world.
Nothing About Us Without Us
Solutions must never be designed behind a desk. Participation is prescribed "three times a day" as therapy for hopelessness.
Recruiting the Heart,
Training the Brain
The LHA methodology starts with passion. We look for individuals with a deep love for justice and their neighbors. Technical skills can be taught, but a heart for the community is innate.
Dr. Bracho often shares the metaphor of the **Fire**: the first Promotor was a woman who discovered fire and immediately ran to share it. Our model is built on "sharing the fire" to illuminate the path to equity.
Unlearning
Shedding labels and learned helplessness.
Creativity
Using "the tortilla line" to break isolation.
In Her Own Words
Watch Dr. América Bracho's most impactful talks and features documenting the movement.
When Patients Lead
TEDMED: The transformative power of the Promotor model.
Transform 2015
Mayo Clinic: Social determinants of health.
Wednesday Plenary
ColoradoHealth: Challenging the status quo.
The Storyteller
A Room Full of Stories: Narratives that heal.
The Weight of the Nation
HBO Docs: The battle for the Santa Ana park.
Humility in Medicine
TEDMED Interview with Dr. Harvey Fineberg.
Memorable Insights
"The currency paid for inequity is years of life and disability."
"Needs don't change communities; strengths and talents do."
"Power in Spanish translates to 'Yo Puedo'—I Can."
"If it is not personal, there can be no commitment."
Inspired by the mission?
Become a part of the fire Dr. Bracho started. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future.