LOS ANGELES – L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, announced today that it has awarded nearly $1.5 million to 10 grantees through the Robert E. Tranquada, MD Safety Net Initiative XI (Tranquada Initiative). Health care centers and community clinics across Los Angeles County will receive between $100,000 and $150,000 to conduct projects that will primarily help communities of color, which have been harder hit by COVID-19.
“Now, more than ever, with COVID-19 job losses growing, community clinics will be critical for vulnerable communities,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “By helping clinics invest in staffing and infrastructure and reaching out to those who are traditionally underserved, we are ensuring our members and other low-income individuals will have access to high quality care.”
The various projects involve combatting diabetes, hypertension, periodontal disease, and more, while tailoring their clinical services to meet COVID-19 demands. Total funding for the Tranquada Initiative is $1,425,000. In some cases, the funding will support hiring of nurses and support personnel who are members of the community they will serve. Other funding covers equipment, software, and renovations that will help the centers meets their goals.
The Tranquada Initiative awardees are:
Garfield Health Center, Monterey Park
JWCH Institute, Inc., Antelope Valley
L.A. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center, Hollywood
South Bay Family Health Care, Torrance and South Bay area
St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, South L.A.
The Achievable Foundation, Culver City
The Children’s Clinic, Long Beach
Universal Community Health Center, South L.A.
Via Care Community Health Center, East Los Angeles
Wilmington Community Clinic, Wilmington
In addition to improving health outcomes, the grants seek to improve patient satisfaction in the communities served.
This award is named after Dr. Robert E. Tranquada, a founding board member of L.A. Care. Dr. Tranquada has dedicated his life to public health. He served as the Medical Director of L.A. County +USC Medical Center and was later the Dean of Medicine at USC.
Visit our website at lacare.org to learn more about our COVID-19 funding efforts.