The Over 60 Health Clinic has been in operation since 1976, due to the work of the East Bay Gray Panthers. Malia was well familiar with the Over 60 clinic before becoming a clinic patient. Her husband had received services there just before his death approximately seven years prior. Malia said that at the time she was disappointed with his care; however, she firmly believes that "just because one person did bad, doesn't mean the whole place is bad." In fact, she pointed out, that she was very comfortable with the social worker who set up an appointment for her to get her eyes checked the day this photograph was taken.

Malia has worked as a teacher, is as survivor of domestic violence and is a fantastic storyteller who often uses a "Need Ride" sign to get around—her way of "trying to keep people from being so isolated".