HASC’s Communities Lifting Communities initiative, aimed at improving community health and reducing health disparities across the region, is marking two accomplishments this week.

First is the creation of Cherished Futures for Black Moms & Babies – a cooperative project launched with Health Net and the Public Health Alliance of Southern California. The effort brings together Communities Lifting Communities, or CLC, hospitals and public health departments with state, local and private-sector partners to improve outcomes for African-American children and their mothers.

The work is driven by statistics – which show black mothers are four times more likely to die during childbirth than white mothers. Research suggests that complex stresses impact these rates – including parents’ relationship stress, systemic racism and racial bias in health care. Related numbers show black babies are three times more likely to die during their first year of life than white babies.

Cherished Futures will conduct research to chart problems and take action to improve outcomes in a pilot program focused in South Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley (around Lancaster, Calif.). Look to HASC Briefs for updates on the project.

Also this week, CLC offers hospitals a set of resources designed to support people experiencing homelessness as they’re discharged from medical care. The CLC/Bob BarkerWeather-Appropriate Clothing Marketplace gives facilities access to a range of clothing for purchase at an average 25-percent discount from institutional clothing provider Bob Barker Co. HASC members can access the marketplace here.

A HASC partnership with medical transportation provider ButterFLi also gives hospitals a trusted, door-through-door ride option when discharging patients who lack transportation. Learn more about ButterFLi here.

Together, the services assist hospitals in complying with SB 1152 requirements and with general best practices in discharge for people experiencing homelessness.

With any questions, please contact CLC Executive Director Susan Harrington.

Contact:
Susan Harrington
(213) 538-0717
sharrington@hasc.org