The UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity and the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2020 Community Grants Program
We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2020 Community Grants Program. This year, we received an unprecedented 101 applications for funding. Due to the generous contributions to our program from The California Endowment, Dra. Monica Salinas, and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, we were able to fund a total of 19 organizations.
Given the unique challenges facing our diverse local communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 14 awards have been made to assist organizations in their efforts to respond to acute needs for resources and programs related to the pandemic. In addition to these awards, we are proud to award 5 organizations with grants to aid their ongoing efforts to address persistent health disparities. We look forward to supporting, and sharing, the critically important health equity work that will be conducted by each of these groups over the coming year.
COVID-19 Targeted Funding
Cancer Kinship
Cancer Kinship will provide services in English and Spanish designed to address the emotional needs of cancer patients and survivors impacted by COVID-19.
Cancer Support Community Los Angeles (CSCLA)
CSCLA is providing emotional and psychological support for cancer patients and healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19 by starting a Living Alone with Cancer support group, and a Healthcare Provider support group, both on virtual platforms.
Celebrate Life Cancer Ministry
Celebrate Life Cancer Ministry is providing services for African American cancer survivors and caregivers during the COVID-19 emergency, including wellness check-ins and virtual support groups.
Connectopod
Connectopod will teach podcasting skills, including speech, editing, and interview techniques, to youth who are experiencing homelessness and help them develop audio stories that reflect their experiences during this public health crisis.
Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI)
FASGI will deliver essential products to Filipinos in 5 target areas of Los Angeles and disseminate information about COVID-19 through printed materials and webinars
Herald Cancer Association
Herald Cancer Association is developing and implementing virtual activities and programs to provide information and psychosocial support to Chinese American cancer patients, survivors and their family members, as well as others impacted by the pandemic.
MiOra
MiOra will engage interns to assess the challenges and impacts of COVID-19 on elderly adults utilizing adult day-care centers. Their goal is to increase or improve protective health measures for low SES, elderly LA County residents, while increasing diversity in STEM and healthcare fields.
Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)
MICOP is providing information and resources on COVID-19 in Spanish, Mixteco, and Zapoteco to indigenous communities in Oxnard, CA, a large proportion of whom are agricultural workers. Activities will include public safety radio announcements and telephone outreach.
OjaiCARES
OjaiCARES is implementing virtual programs to offer emotional and psychological support for cancer patients and others impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. In addition, two promotoras are providing education and resources on COVID-19 to Latino families in Ventura County.
Peace Over Violence
Peace Over Violence is launching a program to address the needs of black female survivors of domestic violence. Their goal is to reach women who are not currently receiving services and who may have a heightened need for this programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Central Family Health Center (SCFHC)
SCFHC will provide drive-through COVID-19 testing in Huntington Park, where transportation and other factors have presented barriers to testing.
St. Joseph Center
St. Joseph Center is addressing the heightened mental health needs of individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic by offering opportunities to practice creative skills in a safe and supportive setting. Funding will support the expansion of programming through new art therapy classes, art supplies and equipment.
Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation (VACF)
VACF is delivering food, masks, gloves, and hygiene products to cancer patients and survivors, elders, and unemployed individuals impacted by COVID-19 in the Vietnamese-American community.
Visiόn y Compromiso
Visión y Compromiso is disseminating COVID-19 information in Spanish speaking communities through promotora networks and webinars on topics including family violence and public charge. They will also distribute bags with essential items including personal protective equipment (PPE) and groceries to day laborers and others in crisis.
General Disparities Program Support
Breastfeed LA: Asian Breastfeeding Task Force – Asian Pacific Islander Lactation Workforce Development Project
This project will address barriers to breastfeeding among Asians/Pacific Islanders in LA County through an API Lactation Resource Directory, and a scholarship program to provide lactation training and support in API communities.
Esperanza Community Housing: Building Capacity to Improved Shared Data System
Funding will support a data-sharing project to strengthen partnerships between Esperanza and partners working to reduce uncontrolled asthma in South LA. The goal is to increase analysis of asthma symptoms and air quality, and also to improve community engagement strategies, including communication between Esperanza promotoras and providers.
Lestonnac Free Clinic: HIV and Me
Funding will enable Lestonnac Free Clinic to purchase HIV test kits, increase HIV screening, and improve linkage to medical care at four locations with higher-than-average HIV rates.
Penny Lane Centers: Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Center Collaboration – SUD Treatment Services
Funding will support a collaborative project between Penny Lane Centers and Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Center to enroll individuals who are less likely to seek SUD treatment services, yet most at risk for negative outcomes. Outreach will be done via a mobile health unit, reaching vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations in the Antelope Valley.
Venice Family Clinic: Project IMAGE (Immediate Medical Assessment for Greater Equity)
Funding will enable the Venice Family Clinic to purchase two portable ultrasound units and provide immediate diagnostic services. The new machines will increase both the volume and types of patients seen at two clinic sites, and also increase continuity of care.