Community health workers and peers are critical in Whole Person Care While community health workers (CHWs) and peers operate under many different job titles, they share the critical role of being a “connector”: linking community members to systems of care and fostering relationships with clients based on shared experience and a deep sense of empathy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these
OAKLAND, CA, January 26, 2021 – Today, Governor Newsom announced a statewide structure for the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines, in an effort to accelerate and streamline the distribution process and ensure equity, particularly for those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. As part of that effort, the Governor has included the state’s 21 public health care systems in the
Article By: Aisling Carroll A Family Struggles “Dad, don’t cry,” pleaded Luca, a pained 16-year old on the phone. His dad was telling him about being out of work. It wasn’t the first time his dad, Marco*, who suffers from mental illness and epilepsy, had called him in tears. The calls started when Luca was a boy, after his parents
Health Care Leaders Applaud Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) for Introducing Legislation Intended to Improve Telehealth Access, Regardless of Insurance Coverage CALIFORNIA – On the first day of the California Legislative session in the new year, health care providers and advocacy groups join Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry in uplifting the significance of Assembly Bill (AB) 32. Introduced in December to highlight the pressing
OAKLAND, CA, January 8, 2021 – Today, Governor Newsom announced the FY 2021-2022 Budget proposal, which includes key investments in COVID-19 relief and initiatives to advance equity in Medi-Cal. Since the beginning of the pandemic, California’s public health care systems have been serving an integral role in the state’s COVID-19 response, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. “As we
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on the value of cross-sector partnerships, particularly when caring for vulnerable communities. Strong partnerships open the lines of communication across service providers, and allow counties to respond more quickly during a crisis. Whole Person Care (WPC), a five-year program under California’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, has been leading the way in this regard. Operating
The emergence of COVID-19 has heightened the need for public healthcare systems, social service agencies, and community-based organizations to work together on an effective, coordinated response. Strong centralized leadership and rapid information sharing across service lines are critical to address the pandemic, particularly for individuals with complex health and social needs who are most vulnerable to the virus. For four
OAKLAND, CA, June 3, 2020 – As we face an unprecedented public health crisis and widespread anguish over police-involved violence, stemming from centuries of systematic and oppressive racial prejudice, the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems reiterates our enduring commitment to equity for all. Addressing racial inequality has always been at the core of public health care systems’
OAKLAND, CA, May 14, 2020 – The California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH) recognizes the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on our economy and the significant fiscal challenges ahead as outlined in the May Revision. California’s 21 public health care systems have been serving an integral role in the COVID-19 response, particularly for many in California’s Medi-Cal population,
Whole Person Care (WPC) is a $3 billion Medicaid waiver program that improves care for people with complex health and social needs through the delivery of integrated medical care, behavioral health, and social services. Twenty-five WPC pilots across California have established the local partnerships and infrastructure to meet clients where they are and address their full spectrum of needs. In