LOS ANGELES - (April 30, 2026) –AltaMed Health Services President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha was presented with the Justice in Aging Paul Nathanson Advocate Award for his work to improve access to health services for vulnerable older adults.

The award honors outstanding individuals whose work has greatly benefited older adults who are vulnerable due to economic hardship and/or health care issues.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Justice in Aging for my life’s work to provide our aging population with affordable health services that improve their wellbeing and provide them with the resources to live safely in their own community where we know they thrive,” said de la Rocha. “As AltaMed PACE celebrates its 30th year, it’s clear that the need for senior health programs is in high demand and we are committed to creating solutions and providing vital resources to a rapidly aging population.”

De la Rocha’s entire career has been dedicated to improving access to health services for underserved communities. Under his transformative leadership, de la Rocha has grown the AltaMed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) into the largest in California with 18 centers serving more than 5,200 seniors across Los Angeles and Orange counties with complex health needs. De la Rocha has also

launched AltaMed Viva Gold, a program for older adults on Medicaid that provides concierge-style services to ensure patients receive the health and social services they need to manage chronic health conditions and stay out of local emergency rooms.

“Cástulo lifetime dedication to helping low-income older adults receive affordable health care has changed countless lives and provided a tremendous service to the community, and particularly to the Hispanic community, in Los Angeles,” said Justice in Aging Executive Director Kevin Prindiville.

The award was presented during the Justice in Aging in annual gala at the City Club in Los Angeles on April 30th with more than 1,500 guests who are dedicated to improving and defending programs that support all older adults to age with dignity.

Joining AltaMed nearly five decades ago, de la Rocha passion for social justice drove his professional and personal conviction to expand health care access, growing the organization from one health center in East Los Angeles to one of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers with 61 sites across Southern California. 

To learn more about AltaMed, visit www.AltaMed.org.