About Us
What We Do
The California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH) represents California’s 17 public health care systems, which include county-owned or affiliated systems and the five University of California academic medical centers. Together, these systems form the core of the state’s health care safety net.
Policy, Advocacy and Financing
For more than 40 years, CAPH has served as the policy and advocacy voice for California’s public health care systems at both the state and federal level.
As a trade association, CAPH advances policy, financing and operational strategies that strengthen the ability of public health care systems to provide high-quality care to communities across California. CAPH works on issues including Medi-Cal financing, delivery system transformation, behavioral health, value-based care and policies affecting the long-term stability of the health care safety net.
CAPH informs and educates policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about the essential role of public hospital systems. CAPH also develops financing strategies and policy solutions that support access to care and help public hospital systems meet the needs of the communities they serve.
CAPH works closely with policymakers, health plans, providers and partner organizations to support a strong and sustainable health care safety net across California.
Partnerships and Collaboration
CAPH works in collaboration with county associations, the hospital industry, community clinics, consumer advocates and social service providers to coordinate efforts and help ensure the needs and perspectives of shared constituencies are represented.
These efforts are strongly informed by and coordinated alongside, the work of the California Health Care Safety Net Institute (SNI), the 501c3 affiliate of CAPH.
Our Proclamation
The California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH) and our partner organization, the California Health Care Safety Net Institute (SNI), are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive culture. We commit to this practice within our organization and within our community.
Our mission is rooted in the belief that achieving equity is accomplished by addressing systemic inequities and treating every Californian justly. We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance this mission. We recognize the historical footprint of oppression that has led to structural racism, discriminatory barriers, racist policies, and unjust practices and outcomes that disproportionately and negatively impact communities of color. We are dedicated to advancing equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and health outcomes for the individuals and communities served by our members, California’s public health care systems.
Our Actions
We take our role and responsibility in shaping the world and driving equitable health care delivery seriously. As an influencer and voice of California’s public health care systems, CAPH/SNI will:
- Integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into our mission and daily work.
- Prioritize advancing equity and countering structural racism in the development of policies, practices, and programs to strengthen and improve the health care safety net.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leader and thought partner in the creation of more equitable health outcomes. We are aware of the oppressive and inherited systems within health care, but truly believe that through our voice and influence in health policy, advocacy, and program development, we can increase access to patient-centered, high quality and equitable health care and work towards addressing patients’ social needs to improve the health status of our communities.