A Lifetime of Service:
Dr. Heger’s Unwavering Leadership in Child Protection at VIP & Beyond.
Welcome to a platform dedicated to sharing the groundbreaking work and profound insights of Dr. Astrid Heppenstall Heger.
Learn more about her remarkable journey as the Executive Director of the VIP Community Health Center at the Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Watch Dr. Heger as she shares the compelling origin story of the VIP Community Health Center and the monumental journey of courage, compassion, and community over the last 40 years. Witness the powerful stories that have defined VIP’s mission and inspired a movement.
Click to below watch video.
Skip to minute 6:15 to watch her speak.
Groundbreaking Work & Profound Insights
Empowering the Voiceless with Compassion and Expertise
Dr. Heger stands at the forefront of a compassionate crusade to protect and heal the most vulnerable members of our society. Her journey commenced with an unwavering commitment to those at greatest risk, founding the Center for the Vulnerable Child (CVC) in 1984, and establishing the first medically-based Child Advocacy Center in the world. Today, this center serves as a vital resource in the care and support of over 20,000 victims of child abuse and sexual assault each year.
Expanding the Vision
Innovating Care for Every Stage of Life
Dr. Heger's commitment to eradicating violence knows no bounds, extending her innovative approaches to offer holistic support through the Family Advocacy Center, and specialized care for adults and the elderly. Her pioneering "HUB" model, alongside the nurturing environments of the Children's and Youth Welcome Centers, has transformed the way children enter foster care, ensuring immediate, comprehensive care and support.
Legacy of Empathy & Action
Fostering Safety, Dignity, and Healing
Renowned for her expertise and cherished for her empathy, Dr. Heger embodies the principle that every person deserves to live in safety, with dignity, and a chance to recover and thrive. Under her guidance, VIP has become a refuge for healing and a catalyst for change within Los Angeles County and far beyond. Explore the vision, model of care, and the undying passion Dr. Heger has for our community's most vulnerable, and discover how you can contribute to this transformative journey.
Together, we can continue to build on Dr. Heger’s legacy and work towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to heal, thrive, and transform their own story from one of suffering to one of strength.
For over four decades, Dr. Heger has been a driving force in ending violence against children, women, and the most vulnerable in our society, providing critical resources and support to survivors. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women and creating a safe space for healing has made an indelible impact on countless lives.
Are you ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable? Visit the violenceinterventionprogram.org to learn how you can contribute to our cause. Your journey with VIP starts now—whether as a volunteer, a donor, or an advocate.