San Diego PACE Turns 10 Honoring a Decade of Dignity and Care

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With one in four San Diegans projected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, access to comprehensive, compassionate senior care is more important than ever. Since 2015, San Diego PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a division of San Ysidro Health, has been at the forefront of meeting that need, delivering a transformative model of care that enables older adults to age with dignity, safety, and independence in their own homes and communities.

What began as a single site in San Ysidro has grown into a countywide effort to provide tailored, wraparound services for seniors with complex medical and social needs. Today, San Diego PACE is the third-largest program of its kind in California and the fourth largest in the nation, serving more than 3,000 seniors annually across locations in San Ysidro, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Vista, and soon, National City.

San Diego PACE offers a full range of integrated services from primary and specialty care to rehabilitation, transportation, nutrition, social activities, and behavioral health. These services are designed not only to manage chronic conditions but to empower seniors to remain connected and engaged in their communities. The program also brings peace of mind to caregivers, who know their loved ones are receiving personalized attention from a trusted care team.

This year, the program celebrates its 10th anniversary. In recognition of its impact, the San Diego City Council officially proclaimed February 25, 2025, as “San Diego PACE Day” a milestone that reflects the program’s growing role in addressing the region’s aging population and supporting health equity for seniors in underserved communities.

Across San Diego County, many older adults face obstacles such as limited mobility, social isolation, or difficulty accessing care. San Diego PACE breaks down those barriers through a patient-centered model that coordinates every aspect of care, allowing seniors to stay healthy, active, and supported throughout their golden years.

San Diego PACE is part of the broader mission of San Ysidro Health, a nonprofit organization that has served the region for more than 55 years. With over 50 program sites and more than 160,000 patients in its care, San Ysidro Health continues to be a trusted provider for families across all stages of life from pediatrics to senior care. Founded in 1969 by a group of mothers seeking better healthcare for their children, the organization remains rooted in the community and committed to ensuring access for all.

As San Diego PACE enters its second decade, it continues to be a vital resource for seniors and their families proving that aging in place, with dignity and quality care, is not just possible, but a promise worth keeping.

To learn more about San Diego PACE and the services available for older adults, visit www.syhealth.org.

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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