May 2021 

Latinx doctors, nurses and promotoras join Black health care workers to dispel misinformation and provide accessible facts about the COVID-19 vaccines in THE CONVERSATION/LA CONVERSACIÓN video series. Produced by Kaiser Family Foundation in partnership with UnidosUS and the Black Coalition Against COVID, the campaign uses trusted voices to send the message that the vaccines are our best chance at getting back to our lives. Even as vaccine availability expands, concerns about equitable distribution remain with most states reporting that Latino and Black populations have received smaller shares of vaccinations relative to their population size to date.

Sierra Health Foundation is among the funders supporting this campaign. Learn more and access educational videos on the Kaiser Family Foundation web site.

The State of California partnered with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation to present the Masking Series by African-American artist Jessica Wimbley as part of a campaign to reach disproportionately impacted communities and raise awareness of the importance of wearing masks to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The series used video and still photography projected onto masks worn by people representing California’s diverse communities. The images show people taking action to protect one another, such as wearing their masks and getting vaccinated. The art was placed on LED and mobile billboards, and in print and television ads in English and Spanish in 11 California markets.

Access the Masking Series and other resources on the State of California COVID-19 Resources web page.

Sierra Health Foundation and The Center are accepting applications for a contracts management associate. Visit our Employment Opportunities web page to learn about the position and apply online.

A new funding opportunity through the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Access Points Project will support recovery housing services in California’s northern counties and Central Valley, specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness with an opioid use disorder or stimulant use disorder diagnosis or with a demonstrated history of opioid or stimulant misuse. Applications are due by June 9 at 1 p.m. Access the request for applications, funding overview webinar and frequently asked questions on the MAT Access Points Project web site.

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is using federal grant funding for this opportunity. The Center at Sierra Health Foundation will assist DHCS with the administration of these funds through the MAT Access Points Project.

With grants up to $300,000 over two years, Elevate Youth California’s Supporting Capacity Building for Community Organizations funding opportunity will strengthen the capacity of emerging grassroots community-based organizations and Tribal organizations throughout California to use innovative programs and practices for substance use disorder prevention among youth ages 12 to 26. Applications are due by June 23 at 1 p.m. Access the request for applications for a full funding overview and information about webinars and office hour opportunities on the Elevate Youth California web site.

This funding opportunity is provided by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation under contract with the State of California’s Department of Health Care Services through Proposition 64, California Cannabis Tax Fund, Allocation 3, Youth Education Prevention Early Intervention and Treatment Account.

Although we weren’t able to join together at the California State Capitol this year, the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund’s virtual Equity on the Mall 2021 brought together hundreds of San Joaquin Valley community leaders, residents, statewide partners and elected officials for a weeklong event in late April. Activities included a virtual bus tour, youth-led events, policy briefings, legislative visits and discussion panels. Partners highlighted the community-driven San Joaquin Valley Health Fund 2021 Policy Platform, with a focus on the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, including the Digital Divide.

Thank you to our dedicated community partners for making this event happen and to everyone who joined us for virtual Equity on the Mall!

Access event videos on the Equity on the Mall web page.

The Black Child Legacy Campaign is pleased to partner with Goalsetter to educate families about the importance of saving money through an innovative family savings platform. With financial literacy curriculum mapped to scholastic standard from kindergarten through 12th grade, Goalsetter helps families become financially healthy and empowered to reach their goals through games, memes and pop culture. Black Child Legacy Campaign partners and families learned about the platform earlier this month through webinars with Goalsetter Founder and CEO Tanya Van Court. The app is available to all families. Learn more on the Goalsetter web site.

As the state gears up for reopening, and the governor pushes forward an ambitious agenda as part of the May Revision of the state’s 2021-2022 budget, California’s plans to build back boldly must center communities of color. The pandemic has hit our state, and particularly communities of color, extremely hard in this last year. This budget revision is a reminder that, if we are to strive to achieve health, education, economic and racial equity, we must address the very systems that contributed to widening these gaps in the first place. Read the full statement on the California Funders for Boys and Men of Color web site.

California has dramatic asthma disparities, but everyone deserves clean outdoor air, healthy indoor spaces and access to health care to improve their asthma. Outcomes can be improved through asthma home visits — a proven program for success. Our Asthma Mitigation Project partners continue to create awareness and connect people to programs.