WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 2025) – Advocates for Community Health (ACH), a nonprofit advocacy organization representing innovative federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), has announced Christy Trotter, Chief Executive Officer of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (YVFWC), as the recipient of its David B. Vliet Changemaker Award. The award recognizes Trotter’s exceptional leadership and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the Community Health Center (CHC) Program and the patients it serves.
“Christy is the embodiment of a changemaker—her vision, compassion, and tireless commitment have elevated the voices of health center patients from the Pacific Northwest to Capitol Hill,” said Amanda Pears Kelly, chief executive officer of Advocates for Community Health. “Her work reminds us that transformative change starts with a single dedicated leader. Christy recently stood in the light with the 340B Drug Pricing Program to demonstrate that the whole Health Center Program is a model of how the 340B program was always intended to be, and how it should be used. We are proud to honor Christy for her dedication, persistence, and wisdom in federal advocacy.”
As CEO of one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest community health centers, Trotter leads an organization that delivers affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services to underserved communities across Washington and Oregon. YVFWC serves more than 200,000 patients annually and employs over 2,000 staff members, with one in five patients being migrant or agricultural workers.
A lifelong resident of the Yakima Valley, Trotter began her career at YVFWC in 1994 as a senior financial analyst. Over the next three decades, she held key leadership roles—including chief financial officer and interim CEO—before being appointed CEO in 2022.
“Christy is deeply involved in community health and brings a vision that is both far reaching and grounded. She understands healthcare at every level – from strategy to service- and lives our mission with integrity and heart. Her leadership is not only effective, but it’s deeply inspiring,” said Adrian Ochoa, board chair of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. “Her work is a powerful example of what meaningful, lasting change looks like, and I’m proud to celebrate her today.”
Trotter’s advocacy is rooted in a deep understanding of community needs. One recent example includes her efforts to maintain access to Maternal Fetal Medicine in Central Washington. Under her leadership, continued access to this lifesaving service was maintained for the rural central Washington families. Trotter emphasized the importance of early, consistent care in helping families build a foundation for long-term wellness.
The David B. Vliet Changemaker Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to advance health care access, strengthen the health center movement, and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
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About Advocates for Community Health
Established in 2021, Advocates for Community Health (ACH) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization of community health centers dedicated to forward-thinking and ambitious federal policy and advocacy on behalf of health centers, their patients, and their communities. To learn more, visit advocatesforcommunityhealth.org.
About Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic is one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest community health centers, providing medical, dental, behavioral health and social services to more than 200,000 people a year. With 49 unique service locations across Oregon and Washington, we deliver affordable, comprehensive primary care for underserved populations in our communities. We also extend our network of care through our mobile health units and virtual visit technology, bringing essential care to our more remote patients. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic employs over 2,000 staff in addition to our medical and dental residents, administrative fellows, students, and volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to bringing quality care to those in our communities who need it most. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by HRSA, The Joint Commission, and The National Committee for Quality Assurance for our accomplishments in community health care. For more information, please visit yvfwc.com/press. Newsletter sign up at yvfwc.com/newsletter.