INNOVATIVE MEDICAL PROVIDERS IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH EQUITY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are often epicenters of our Southern California communities. Besides the role they play in providing physical care and promoting healthy habits, many healthcare non-profits have a mission that includes caring for all members of the community, especially those in need.

Our own U.S. government, as far back as a 1969 tax ruling, has set the expectation that “charity care” must be provided in exchange for federal tax exemptions. The state of California further defines they must provide a minimum of 5% reduced or free services.

We often don't know about or recognize. We may be aware of things they do like community outreach and engagement: organizing health fairs, allowing community support groups to use hospital space for meetings, and more.

Here’s just a short list of what many do: a) vaccinations & testing; b) health education; c) free classes; d) outreach at schools & other groups; e) community produce gardens; f) host volunteers; g) health professions education; h) field sites for training; i) build/ sponsor low-income housing; j) support shelters with supplies/ health care; k) model green buildings; l) hire local residents; m) buy local supplies & foods; n) contract local service providers; o) run bus/van services; p) provide taxi vouchers for low-income patients & more.

Furthermore, many hospital foundations raise money for their own needs, they also award money in the form of community grants. The purpose is to support other organizations and charities that align with their hospitals focus areas in the community. One such hospital corporation is Kaiser Permanente. Each year they offer other non-profits the opportunity to apply for community grants, often ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Hospitals also use their funds to form direct collaborations such as the one Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) has established through the financial support of Dignity Health. LSSSC is now the leader of a San Bernardino area collaboration between LSSSC, GeriSmiles Dental Health Foundation, and Spirit of Savior Lutheran Church. This partnership focuses on improving community access to care, oral health, and health literacy.

The collaboration with LSSSC will provide cost-free oral health care to their residents in emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing along with the community. This also includes oral cancer screening, pre and post-care coordination, health service resources as well as a Community Learning Lab to improve health literacy and sustain long-term health improvement.

With rising health care costs, what can we as individuals do to support and advocate for these important community programs?

First, you can be supportive by becoming a consumer of these services. Why not attend that health workshop the local hospital offers for free? You can also write to the hospital or health care organization and let them know you appreciate what they do in the community. Community feedback is really inspiring to them. You can also share literature and info on resources they provide at your community group, church or even with a neighbor or a friend.

Finally, one of the biggest ways you can support the efforts of non-profits and healthcare agencies to care for our community is to give your time, talent and treasure. You’ll be filling a funding and volunteer gap for a program. Let’s all ENGAGE to make sure these vital community programs remain in place for all of us, especially for our neighbors in need.

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IN 2022, 58% OF COMMUNITY HOSPITALS HAD NON-PROFIT STATUS.

- National Institute of Health (Nov. 24, 2022)

Four Healthcare Company Heroes

Kaiser Permanente – The Neighborhood Outreach Program is a communitybased focusing on serving those experiencing homelessness in Riverside. To learn about all the ways Kaiser promotes community health in So. Cal. https://community.kp.org/

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H Street Clinic - In San Bernardino, serves the needs of the community in harmony with Christ’s healing ministry. They provide comprehensive quality healthcare, especially for those who are vulnerable, and advocate social justice for all. https://www.cnhfclinics.org/

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Dignity Health San Bernardino –Supports the Community Healthy Integration Project to minimize service gaps and offer a continuum of care. Patients at the Community Hospital of San Bernardino and St. Bernardine Medical Center have direct access to services offered. https://www. dignityhealth.org/about-us/community

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