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 Programs for Immigrants
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
California Budget Project Fact Sheets
New fact sheets on California’s state budget are available from the California Budget Project. The organization monitors impacts of the state’s budgetary changes on low- and middle-income Californians. CBP’s website offers timely publications, reports and other resources gathered from independent policy and fiscal analysis on a range of topics including health and education. The organization also provides trainings on deciphering the state budget, fiscal policy issues, and the budget process. read more
Conference on Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions
The California Wellness Foundation's 2008 Conference, to be held June 9-10 at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, will provide participants with opportunities to network with colleagues from throughout California. Attendees will examine strategies for increasing diversity in the health professions and celebrate the accomplishments of the recipients of the 2008 Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award. Admission is free but space is limited. For an agenda, click here. For registration information, 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
Putting Science First
The latest edition of Portfolio describes Arc Ecology’s work providing scientific, technical and economic planning, and organizing in communities affected by environmental hazards. By using science to assess and document public health threats, Arc Ecology ensures the public is accurately informed about the environmental causes of health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Informative displays, a resource library of public documents and workshops hosted by staff scientists address environmental cleanup, the economic impact of military base closures on families and community development. 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
Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs
The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs is hosting a forum, “Healthcare and Health Policy in California and Beyond,” at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown on April 30, 2008. The continuing efforts of community members, health policy analysts, researchers and grassroots organizers to inform policymakers and opinion leaders about important health issues that affect underserved communities will be highlighted. The event is partially sponsored by TCWF. The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to social justice and enhancing the quality of life for the people of California. read more
