Explore the moments that have shaped 50 years of care, compassion, and connection.
From its humble beginnings inside Building #14 of the P.T. Barnum Apartments to a growing network of care across Greater Bridgeport, Southwest Community Health Center has evolved alongside the community it serves. This timeline highlights key milestones that reflect its expansion, partnerships, and continued commitment to a#HealthcareForAll.
1974-1990: Founding & Early Development
1974, Community Health Resource Workers attend a training workshop at the offices of Planned Parenthood.
1978, Health services moved from P.T. Barnum Apartments to St. Stephen's School on Bird Street.
November 1978, The doors are now open and patients arrive.
1979, Doctor at work at new job.
December 1980, Dental care is offered.
May 1980, Health Center Reports on 1979 Growth.
1982, Dr. Robert Collazo performs some basic dentistry on Juan Rodriguez.
August 1982, Health Center gets Funding.
November 1986, Commitment is Key at Health Center.
1987, Health Center Faces Challenge as Funding Falls.
March 1988, Neighborhood Health Center Staff Target High Risk Mothers.
1991-2000: Expansion & Diversification of Services
May 1993, Health Center up and running.
1996, Dinner and awards mark 20 years for health center.
May 1996, Janet Skane Stern Profile.
In 1998, Behavioral Health Services moved to 510 Clinton Avenue, the first building owned by Southwest.
February 2000, Southwest received accreditation from The Joint Commission for the first time.
2001-2013: Collaborative Growth & New Facilities
In 2001, Behavioral Health Services relocated to its current headquarters at 1046 Fairfield Avenue.
August 2001, Immunization.
June 2003, Health center purchases former Kasper building.
March 2004, Southwest Health Center to exand.
August 2005, Combining food and health.
December 2005, Outdoor ceremony remembers homeless.
February 2005, Dental hygiene.
April 2006, Groundbreaking to launch Fairfield Avenue. health center.
2006, Helping the homeless.
July 2006, Clinics celebrate 30 years of service.
April 2007, 968 Fairfield Avenue Ribbon Cutting.
March 2007, Creating beautiful healthy smiles.
November 2009, Health Centers fill needed niche in many communities.
August 2010, Community health centers celebrated.
2011
October 2012, Census sees decrease in doctor visits.
2013, Albion Ribbon Cutting.
2014-2020: Community Engagement & Educational Partnerships
June 2014, June Hancock Outdoor Health Clinic.
2015, promoting healthy smiles.
Southwest Community Health Center celebrated 40 years in 2016.
May 2017, Patient Wilfried Clerveau has his heart checked by Dr. Richard Torres.
2019 Breast Cancer Awareness Event.
In 2020, Southwest led and spearheaded COVID-19 testing efforts in Bridgeport, and acquired a mobile medical to better serve community members across multiple neighborhoods.
2021-2026: Enhanced Accessibility & Infrastructure Expansion
In 2021, Southwest acquired its mobile medical unit, known as "La Guagua", to expand care across isolated neighborhoods.
Southwest also opened its new locations at 509 Park Avenue (co-located at the Windward apartments) in 2022.
In 2022, Southwest opened its Same Day Care location at 1020 Fairfield Avenue.
In 2023, Southwest opened a new location at Hall Neighborhood House.
In 2024, Southwest opened a site at the Thomas Merton Family Center.
In 2026, Southwest is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and opening a new location at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club at the Madison Avenue Clubhouse (late fall).
In 2026 Southwest is celebrating 50 Years of Healthcare for ALL!
