Poll: Few Know of Allied Health Professionals Shortage
Fenton Communications commissioned a Field Research Corporation survey that found most California voters are aware of the state's nursing shortage, but few know that the state faces a shortage of allied health professionals as well. The survey effort is part of a public education campaign funded by The California Wellness Foundation to raise awareness about California’s health care workforce and its diversity. As part of the public education campaign, Fenton Communications is also conducting market research and redesigning the health care careers informational website that debuted in 2006. read more
Analysis of Grantmaking Through a Diversity Lens
A new analysis of grantmaking by 50 of California’s largest independent foundations focuses on grants that benefited populations of color. According to “Embracing Diversity: Foundation Giving Benefiting California's Communities of Color,” these 50 California-based foundations in 2005 awarded a minimum of 2,700 grants totaling nearly $300 million to support health, education, social services, and other programs that serve ethnically or racially diverse populations. read more
Central American Refugee Center of Northern California
The Central American Refugee Center of Northern California received a grant from TCWF to support its services for former gang-involved and formerly incarcerated immigrant youth. Tattoo-removal services and case management support are provided as a strategy to prevent violence against youth. The organization also provides health and legal services, job training and placement and low-cost dental services. TCWF grant funds were given in the form of core operating support so they can be used to support staff salaries and other key program expenses. read more
Program Recognizes and Trains Senior Leaders
The California Senior Leaders Program spotlights senior volunteers and community advocates committed to community building, healthy aging and improving the lives of seniors. Funded by a grant from TCWF, the UC Berkeley School of Public Health program is now in its sixth year. The project is built on the philosophy that active engagement is a contributor to healthy aging. The senior leaders receive peer- and student-led training and technical assistance on their advocacy projects, in an effort to encourage intergenerational collaboration and learning. read more
California Survey Finds Disparities in Technology Access
The Public Policy Institute of California has conducted a statewide survey — the first in a Californians and Information Technology series. The survey found that less than half of California Latino households have home computers and only 4 in 10 Latino households have access to the Internet. The ability to use technology can help a person gain a high-paying job with health benefits. In this light, the findings of the institute’s survey have urgent relevance to the future health of California. read more
The Nonprofit Sector in L.A. County
The Center for Civil Society’s new publication, “Local Pattern and Dynamics: The State of the Nonprofit Sector in Los Angeles 2008,” reports on a decline in the resources and capacity of Los Angeles County nonprofits to meet the service needs of the area’s most vulnerable populations. The study also shows a disparity in the allocation of resources along economic and ethnic lines. Part of the UCLA School of Public Affairs, the Center for Civil Society is the focal point for the school’s programs and activities in nonprofit leadership and management, grassroots advocacy, nongovernmental organizations and philanthropy. read more
Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy in San Bernardino seeks to enrich the lives of young people through life building activities and instruction in the areas of education, employment, health, mentoring, and community service. The youth service organization received grant funding from The California Wellness Foundation in support of a program that uses fitness interventions as a means to get youth involved in violence prevention. Terrance Stone, the organization’s CEO and president, is profiled in an article in Redlands Daily Facts describing his journey from being a hardcore gang member to becoming a dedicated youth violence prevention advocate. read more
Champions of Health Professions Diversity
TCWF recognizes Juanita Barrena, Ph.D., Sacramento; David E. Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D., Los Angeles; and Linda Squires-Grohe, San Francisco, with its 2008 Champions Award. The three honorees are leaders in higher education who provide vital training opportunities, information and advocacy for students facing challenges that can stand in the way of pursuing careers in the health professions. Each awardee has worked to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the health workforce by addressing institutional bias, reforming admission policies and mentoring students. They have created innovative programs to ensure that Californians have greater access to culturally competent health care. read more
