PCI's History Addressing the Causes of Poverty

1961 was a landmark year in many respects, one of growing global conflict yet one of profound hope and belief in real change for our country. That year the US broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Berlin Wall went up in East Germany, and the number of US troops tripled in Vietnam. But it was also the year that John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States and pledged to send the first man to the moon, the Freedom Riders tested the Supreme Court ruling on integration, and the Peace Corps was established – all proof that the best is possible with the heart and will to do it.

Against this backdrop PCI was founded. One man had a vision to bring people in the world closer together, to erase the lines between the haves and the have-nots, to establish the rights of all to achieve good health and economic opportunity. Dr. James W. Turpin founded PCI based on his belief in our shared humanity and his confidence that if given a chance, people could lift themselves out of poverty and create a healthy future for their families.

In 1961, a young doctor from San Diego volunteering at a Tijuana clinic saved the lives of two small children who were dying of pneumonia. This experience led Dr. James Turpin to found PCI and forever change the lives of millions of children and families around the world by providing health and hope to those most in need. Since then, the focus of the organization has remained true to its founder: PCI works in vulnerable communities to improve health and create long-term change by helping people help themselves. For fifty years, thousands of dedicated individuals and groups have worked to make this vision a reality.