Highlighting Rebecca Dawson: A Rockstar at PRC’s Hummingbird Valencia 

Rebecca Dawson stands out as a true rockstar at PRC’s Hummingbird Valencia, one of two innovative Hummingbird programs. The Hummingbird programs are designed to provide the lowest-barrier access to services for otherwise unhoused individuals, offering essential support to those navigating complex challenges. Rebecca’s work at Hummingbird Valencia goes beyond providing care, it’s about meeting clients exactly where they are and helping them take the first steps toward stability and wellness. 

Comprehensive Care in Action 

Rebecca’s role encompasses a wide range of services, from on-site hepatitis C and HIV testing to connecting clients with mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs. Working closely with UCSF’s FAST Team, she ensures that HIV-positive clients begin medication within just five days of diagnosis. For hepatitis C-positive clients, Rebecca collaborates with the Deliver Clean Team, facilitating mobile van services for ultrasounds, blood draws, and ultimately, access to a cure. 

These services reflect more than medical care, they’re about building trust. Rebecca emphasizes privacy and dignity, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their care journey. 

Advocating for Clients with Traumatic Brain Injuries 

Rebecca’s dedication doesn’t stop at testing and treatment. She’s also a champion for clients experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBI), a significant yet often overlooked issue among unhoused populations. With 63% of her clients reporting a history of loss of consciousness, Rebecca has prioritized TBI assessment and referrals to specialized clinics for comprehensive care. 

Her efforts in this area have gained national recognition, with SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) inviting her to present her groundbreaking work at their headquarters. 

A Journey of Compassion 

Rebecca’s path into this work is as inspiring as the work itself. She began her career in 1999 with an internship at San Quentin, where she educated incarcerated individuals about hepatitis C and HIV. Since then, she has worked with at-risk youth, served as a special benefits coordinator for the HIV community at Kaiser, and taken on public health roles with San Mateo County. 

Her passion for client-centered care brought her to PRC where she helped launch a program supported by a SAMHSA grant. Rebecca built a team and created a framework that now serves hundreds of clients annually, with a strong emphasis on education around hepatitis C, HIV, STDs, and trauma-informed care. 

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience 

Rebecca’s commitment to her clients remained steadfast even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She continued critical testing, identified new cases of HIV and hepatitis C, and strengthened partnerships to ensure uninterrupted care. Her adaptability and determination, even as she trained new colleagues and navigated professional hurdles, reflect her deep dedication to her work. 

A Belief in Better Futures 

What sets Rebecca apart is her unshakable belief in her clients’ potential. Whether advocating for someone in a meeting, providing emotional reassurance, or connecting individuals to life-saving resources, Rebecca exemplifies the compassionate care that defines PRC. 

Hummingbird Valencia, alongside its sister program, is a lifeline for individuals seeking stability and hope. Rebecca’s story highlights the power of these programs to transform lives through advocacy, trust, and access to essential services. 

To support the work Rebecca and her team do every day, consider joining us in our mission to provide hope, health, and dignity for all.