Twenty years ago, a friend handed me a newspaper article about Jericho Road. I was a college student at the time, and something about the story resonated deeply. I couldn’t have imagined then that I’d one day be writing this as the incoming CEO of the organization that has become my home.
My journey with Jericho Road began as an unpaid undergraduate intern at our Barton Street location. I remember the kindness of our staff, the diversity of our patients, and the energy of shared purpose. Two years later while working in the front office during a leave of absence from medical school, I witnessed the profound gaps in health care in the country. It was here, helping patients navigate the broken system, that I understood my calling was not just medicine, but the pursuit of justice. I returned to medical school with a renewed sense of direction, knowing that I could combine my love of culture, language, and people with the practice of healing.
Over the years, I’ve served in many roles—front office staff, physician, Chief Medical Officer—and each step has strengthened my commitment to our mission. As I step into this new role, I do so with deep gratitude. To Dr. Glick, whose vision and mentorship have guided me. To Joyce, whose support has been unwavering. To our Board, our staff—both locally and globally—and to my family.
Jericho Road is a federally qualified health center (FQHC), which means we receive enhanced Medicaid rates, grant funding, and malpractice coverage. But we don’t get paid extra to care for those without insurance. And yet, we never turn anyone away. That commitment is rooted in our faith – to love our neighbor and honor the dignity of every person. We know that investing in primary care leads to better outcomes and lower costs, but our national systems don’t reflect that truth. We need policies that prioritize health equity and sustainability.
Our mission is to care for our communities and advocate for systemic health equity to demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus. We are well known for our care of refugee, immigrant, and asylum seeker populations—but Jericho Road is open to everyone. We stand up for health justice because we are called to care for those on the broken road to Jericho, and we are called to transform that road, as well.
In this next season, we will strengthen the systems that allow us to deliver care with excellence. We will steward our resources wisely, build lasting financial sustainability, and deepen our partnerships. I know we live in uncertain times, but I am hopeful. I believe in our team, in our mission, and in the power of community.
–By Dr. Allana Krolikowski, Chief Executive Officer
