Mayor John McCann Visits Alayo Foundation to Learn How Free Medical Exams Are Transforming Health Access in Chula Vista
On October 8, 2025, Mayor John McCann of Chula Vista visited the Alayo Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving community health through free medical exams and preventive care. The visit offered a closer look at how one physician’s vision is helping bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved residents across South Bay.
A Mission Rooted in Service
The foundation’s founder, Dr. Erick Alayo, M.D., is a well-known gastroenterologist who has served the Chula Vista community for over two decades. After practicing medicine in another location for 16 years, Dr. Alayo established Gastro SB Clinic six years ago. His clinic quickly earned a reputation for high-quality care and diagnostic excellence.
However, in 2023, Dr. Alayo saw a growing need that extended far beyond traditional medical care—too many residents lacked access to basic preventive services. In response, he founded the Alayo Foundation, a community-focused nonprofit designed to bring free health screenings and education to those who need it most.
“Our goal is simple,” said Dr. Alayo. “To make preventive healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. Early detection saves lives—and every person deserves that chance.”
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A Closer Look at the Free Medical Exams
The Alayo Foundation provides a wide range of preventive screenings designed to identify common but often silent health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and liver conditions. These include:
Lipid panel – to check cholesterol levels and identify cardiovascular risk
Blood pressure check – to help residents “know their numbers” and detect hypertension
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to monitor heart rhythm and detect arrhythmias early
Glucose screening & glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) – for diabetes prevention and monitoring
Body mass index (BMI) & hemoglobin – to assess overall physical health and detect anemia
Liver function test & ultrasound – to identify fatty liver and other liver-related conditions
Dietetic education – to help individuals make informed, heart-healthy lifestyle choices
Bone density testing – a new addition that allows early detection of osteoporosis and bone loss
Each exam is provided completely free of charge, with the goal of removing barriers that often prevent community members—especially seniors and uninsured residents—from getting vital health information.
The Mayor’s Visit: Strengthening Partnerships for a Healthier City
Mayor McCann’s visit to the foundation was more than ceremonial—it was an opportunity to see firsthand the technology, staff, and commitment that make these services possible. He toured the foundation’s modern facilities, reviewed diagnostic equipment, and met with Dr. Alayo and his team to discuss future collaboration.
The Mayor expressed strong interest in partnering with the Alayo Foundation to help raise awareness about the program throughout Chula Vista. He emphasized the importance of connecting residents with preventive health resources and commended the foundation’s proactive approach.
“What Dr. Alayo and his team are doing here is incredible,” said Mayor McCann. “Preventive care saves lives, and making it accessible to everyone strengthens our entire community. I look forward to finding ways to support and expand this effort so more residents know these free exams are available.”
A Shared Commitment to Community Health
The meeting highlighted a shared mission between the City of Chula Vista and the Alayo Foundation—to improve health outcomes through education, prevention, and early detection.
Dr. Alayo underscored that the foundation’s impact depends not only on medical services but also on community awareness. Many people still don’t realize how accessible these screenings are, or how much early detection can change their health trajectory.
“When people come in for these free exams, we often catch conditions before they become serious,” explained Dr. Alayo. “That’s the real power of preventive medicine—changing lives before a crisis happens.”
Looking Ahead
As healthcare costs continue to rise, organizations like the Alayo Foundation serve as a vital safety net. With growing community partnerships and leadership support, there is hope that more residents of Chula Vista will take advantage of these no-cost screenings and educational programs.
Mayor McCann’s visit marked an important step toward expanding the foundation’s reach and ensuring that preventive health care becomes a shared civic priority.
The collaboration between city leadership and community medical professionals like Dr. Alayo reflects what’s possible when compassion and public service align. Together, they are working to build a healthier, stronger Chula Vista—one exam, one patient, and one neighborhood at a time.
