Engaging and Empowering L.A. County Youth Towards Achieving Optimal Health Outcomes
Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health, through its Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Programs (MCAH), is prioritizing youth health by empowering adolescents to navigate healthcare systems and make informed decisions about their well-being. Collaborating with its Youth Advisory Council—a diverse group of high school and college students—the County will... Read more
Healthcare Systems Addressing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) has undertaken a transformative Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism (EDIA) Initiative in response to the recognized public health crisis of racism. The initiative, established in 2021, aims to build a fairer healthcare world for patients and staff through community engagement sessions... Read more
Transforming Medical Documentation to Improve Healthcare Outcomes
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is collaborating with FUSE on a transformative project to address burnout among healthcare providers and mitigate biases in medical documentation. Operating one of the nation's largest municipal health systems, DHS serves vulnerable populations, including incarcerated individuals and those experiencing homelessness. The... Read more
Reducing Greenhouse Emissions Through Community Engagement
The Washoe County, NV, community is addressing the negative impacts of climate change and the inequitable effects on vulnerable populations through its "Green Recovery Plan." This plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air pollution while addressing the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially... Read more
Addressing Extreme Heat Through Urban Forestry
The City of Jacksonville, FL, is experiencing the devastating effects of climate change and urban heat island (UHI), leading to more frequent and intense heat waves. These heat waves significantly threaten public health and infrastructure stability, especially in historically disinvested communities that face intersecting vulnerabilities. Jacksonville is partnering with FUSE... Read more
Building a Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategy
DeKalb County in Georgia is a diverse county within the Atlanta metro area, with a population exceeding 750,000 people. It is renowned for institutions like Emory University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as its natural sites and historical landmarks. However, due to ongoing development,... Read more
Expanding Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care
Approximately one in four people will experience a substance use disorder (SUD) in their lifetime, including 2.5 million Los Angeles County residents. Unfortunately, 95% of those who need specialty SUD treatment do not receive it, and Black and Hispanic individuals seeking SUD treatment are less likely to receive it than... Read more
Public Health Approaches to Eliminating Financial Harm
Medical debt affects 100 million Americans and contributes to personal financial strain and poor health outcomes, while overuse of healthcare services leads to wasteful spending and harm to patients. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is adopting a public health approach to address these issues and is partnering... Read more
Expanding Access to Equitable Healthcare Career Education and Opportunities
Los Angeles County’s College of Nursing & Allied Health (CONAH) has prepared students for employment, professional development, and/or advancement for 125 years. Completing their clinical rotations in the system and often hailing from the area, graduates are particularly well placed to understand and address LA County’s healthcare needs. In the... Read more
Catalyzing Innovative Programs and Policy to Restore Food Sovereignty to Birmingham’s Residents
From James Beard award-winning restaurants to the vast Pepper Place Market, where people from across central Alabama convene on weekends to shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, Birmingham is among the small cities favorited by food lovers and culinary experts across the nation. Unfortunately, not everyone in the city... Read more