Exemplary Health Equity Practice Award

Since 2014, the San Francisco Department of Public Health has been running the Black/African American Health Initiative (BAAHI) to address selected health disparities in the local Black/African American community. The initiative has been innovative in two distinct ways: (1) The focus on inter-divisional coordination as a strategy, which has led to inclusion of a substantial community focus and patient involvement in clinical quality improvement; and (2) The explicit anti-racist and institutional focus of the initiative, which has necessitated the development of a broad racial equity infrastructure.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has embarked on a transformational journey to build health equity and racial justice within the department. In collaboration with other county departments, labor partners and community-based organizations, the Center for Health Equity follows an equity framework. DPH is collaborating with labor partners to create a “Just Culture” work environment that calls for shared accountability, recognizing both organizational and individual responsibilities.

Since 2017, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has been working closely with immigrant rights advocates to build community power and foster healthier and safer communities. The City is home to immigrants from Mexico, the Philippines, Cambodia, El Salvador, and many other countries, making up 26% of the its total population. With reports of immigration enforcement raids and deportation threats, it is no surprise that communities are experiencing increasing levels of toxic stress and trauma.