The California Primary Care Association (CPCA) offers a web resource guide to immigrant health programs available in California. It outlines specific public and private programs, some of which are available to all immigrants—including those who are currently undocumented. The CPCA represents more than 600 nonprofit community clinics and health centers in California that provide comprehensive, quality health care services to primarily low-income, uninsured and underserved Californians. read more
The Agricultural Workers’ Access to Health Project
The Watsonville Law Center, California Rural Legal Assistance and Salud Para La Gente are joining forces for a project that provides outreach, education, legal and medical clinics, and direct representation to agricultural and other low-wage workers who have experienced a work injury or illness. The project, recently cited as an exemplary worker health model by the California Department of Industrial Relations, is funded in part by The California Wellness Foundation. This project has helped over 500 individuals access medical treatment and other important benefits under workers’ compensation. read more
IRS Has New Resources For Nonprofits
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has new resources for nonprofits and charities in a web section devoted to the sector. Information found in the section ranges from tax preparation and pension-protection guidance, to a “Dirty Dozen” list of top 2008 charitable abuses. The Internal Revenue Service is also asking for assistance from charities to publicize the availability of 2008 stimulus payments to low-wage workers who may be hard for the Service to reach, but may be eligible for the payments. read more
Multicultural Health Care Award
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is now accepting applications for its Recognizing Innovation in Multicultural Health Care Award. The award honors health plans that have implemented culturally and linguistically appropriate services and reduced health care disparities. The awards ceremony, September 18, 2008 in San Francisco, will include a poster session and reception where awardees can showcase their award-winning efforts. The deadline to apply: May 30, 2008. read more
Health Care Access Improves Youth Opportunities
Youth aging out of the child welfare system who lack transitional community resources are at higher risk for entering the justice system as adults, says a report of the Children’s Defense Fund. “America’s Cradle to Prison Pipeline” examines how inaccessible mental health resources, poor health care and gun violence contribute to the development of a pipeline of children who move in and out of the justice system. The report examines what policy and community strategies can help improve the mental and physical health of at-risk youth. read more
Elders Challenged by Cost of Living
The California Elder Economic Security Initiative program, partially funded by TCWF through UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, has published a report on the economic needs of California's elders. The report indicates that the federal poverty line—used to determine eligibility for public assistance programs—underestimates the financial needs of seniors by more than half of the basic cost. The analysis factors in medical expenses, adequate nutrition and housing. The publication also details statewide efforts to help vulnerable older adults remain independent and gain economic security by directing available funds to the appropriate programs. read more
Nonprofit Technology Network
The Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations skillfully and confidently use technology to meet community needs and fulfill their missions. As a membership organization of nonprofit technology professionals, NTEN facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information by connecting members to each other, providing professional development opportunities and educating the nonprofit sector about issues of technology use. read more
Cover Story: Grassroots Leadership
The cover story in the latest issue of Portfolio focuses on a number of the Foundation's grantees who are working to develop grassroots leaders. These organizations have been able to maximize their impact by recruiting leaders and cultivating their skills to effectively communicate about health issues affecting their communities. By gathering and analyzing research, the community-based leaders have empowered themselves and others to launch and sustain important community health efforts. This issue also provides examples of grantees working on the issues of environmental health and healthy aging. read more
