L.A. Care, a health insurance plan dedicated to serving the most vulnerable residents of Los Angeles County, has recently announced grants totaling over $2 million. These grants aim to address the shortage of non-physician certified and licensed professionals at twelve clinics that provide healthcare services to low-income communities.
In a statement, L.A. Care CEO John Baackes emphasized the importance of improving patient access by increasing staffing, particularly by hiring workers who share a racial or ethnic background with the patients they serve. Baackes highlighted the detrimental impact of a lack of diversity among healthcare staff on efforts to achieve health equity, stating that L.A. Care is committed to closing the gap on health disparities that have persisted for far too long.
The nursing shortage in California has been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. According to UC San Francisco, the state faces a shortage of approximately 36,000 licensed nurses. Recognizing this urgent need for healthcare professionals, L.A. Care’s Tranquada Initiative grants aim to provide financial support to clinics in need.
One recipient of these grants is the San Fernando Community Health Center. Audrey Simons, the CEO of SFCHC, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating that it will enable the hiring of a registered nurse and a certified community health worker. This addition to their primary care team will strengthen their ability to provide better quality care and improve communication with patients. The project’s focus includes addressing blood pressure control, increasing screening for chronic kidney disease, and reducing obesity among patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions.
The 14th round of Tranquada Initiative grants has been awarded to clinics located in and around Los Angeles. The recipients include Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Garfield Health Center, Harbor Community Health Centers, Los Angeles Christian Health Center, Northeast Valley Health Corporation, QueensCare Health Centers, San Fernando Community Health Center, Southern California Medical Center, St. John’s Community Health, The Achievable Foundation, Venice Family Clinic, and Via Care Community Health Center.
As a publicly operated health plan, L.A. Care insures over 2 million Medi-Cal patients and other low-income recipients. Their commitment to providing equitable access to healthcare is evident through their targeted grant program aimed at addressing staffing shortages and promoting diversity in healthcare settings.
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