Millions of members set to benefit from Zócalo Health's integrated care model as company expands East Coast reach
BALTIMORE, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- , a community-based primary care provider dedicated to serving underserved and underrepresented patients with culturally-relevant care, today announced that it has partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD) to improve access to bilingual primary care services and provide personalized social care navigation that meet members' specific needs in order to drive better outcomes. The move comes as Zócalo Health continues to expand its geographic reach to the East Coast.
Through the partnership, Zócalo Health addresses key health and social drivers that affect CareFirst CHPMD members. Zócalo Health's integrated care model brings together virtual primary care physicians, local community health workers (CHWs) or promotores de salud, and care coordinators to provide primary care, social drivers of health (SDOH) screeners, medication reconciliation, chronic disease management, and navigation support for essential social services. By combining primary care with personalized assistance in areas such as food security, transportation, and more, Zócalo Health ensures that CareFirst CHPMD members receive whole-person care that goes beyond traditional healthcare settings.
"We are reimagining primary care for Latino communities," said Erik Cardenas, CEO of Zócalo Health. "We go where they are, with trusted CHWs speaking their language to deliver solutions without stress or fear. We treat the whole person because we know that if someone doesn't have access to nutritious food can't get to a pharmacy to pick up medicine, or doesn't have a safe place to sleep, they cannot thrive. We are excited to work with forward-thinking care plans like CareFirst CHPMD to ensure their members have the best possible experiences and outcomes."
Zócalo Health offers a suite of care coordination and clinical services through a tech-enabled platform that connects its entire ecosystem of providers and health teams to engage and enroll CareFirst CHPMD's members in ongoing support programs and primary care services. It is a model that expertly blends tradition with innovation to overcome the significant disparities Latinos face across the healthcare system.
"We are committed to simplifying access to meaningful, culturally responsive care, and our partnership with Zócalo Health is a powerful extension of our mission, " said Mike Rapach, President & CEO of CareFirst CHPMD. "Together, we are creating easier ways into the healthcare system, helping Latino community members not only receive the care they need, but they also feel seen, heard and supported in the process. This is how we support our communities' efforts for improved health."
The relationship with CareFirst CHPMD is Zócalo Health's latest collaboration, as it expands its national footprint through strategic partnerships with Medicaid health plans. Zócalo Health and CareFirst CHPMD will specifically increase preventive care utilization and address disparities in chronic disease management among Latino Medicaid members.
To learn about how Zócalo Health is transforming healthcare for Latino communities, please visit .
About Zócalo Health
Zócalo Health is dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Our innovative virtual-first model pairs primary care providers with local community health workers, offering a holistic, culturally centered approach to care. We provide comprehensive care that meets members where they are. At Zócalo Health, we believe that healthcare should be accessible, equitable, and tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Learn more at .
Media Contact
Amber Moore, Moore Communications, 1 5039439381, amber@moorecom2.com
SOURCE Zócalo Health
Share this article