Partners
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Working to improve the health of Los Angeles county residents in both traditional and non-traditional ways
Los Angeles County is a vibrant international community, with many distinct ethnic neighborhoods, cultures, and traditions. Historically, the region has attracted people from all around the world, establishing a long and rich heritage of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Los Angeles County's size and diversity however, pose challenges in providing services to all areas of the county. Targeting health disparities, whether from differences in race/ethnicity, income levels, geography, or physical and social environmental factors is also critical with such a diverse population.
VISION
Healthy People in Healthy Communities
MISSION
To protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) is charged with improving the quality of life and maintaining the overall health of all Los Angeles County residents. This charge includes a range of responsibilities, incorporating three overarching aspects of public health: protection, promotion, and prevention.
Nationally, chronic conditions, injury, and violence have replaced communicable diseases as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The major risk factors for many of these conditions are largely preventable and involve behavior change related to tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, unsafe driving practices, and risky sexual behavior. However, physical and environmental factors play a role in facilitating behavior change or promoting unhealthy behavior.
One major health concern which has had significant impact on Los Angeles County's population is the obesity epidemic. The obesity rate among adults rose from 14.3% in 1997 to 20.9% in 2005. The rate of childhood overweight (ages 0 - 18) is also on the rise. In 2005, 23.3% of children in Los Angeles County were obese.
Studies show that the obesity rates are increasing faster among particular populations. In all ages, the prevalence is higher among minority populations. The prevalence of obesity is highest among Blacks (27.7%) and Latinos (28.7%). Rates of obesity are increasing faster among men, Latinos, and young adults (18 - 29 years) than other identifiable populations.
Families with the lowest incomes are at greatest risk for obesity. The most serious of the many health effects of obesity/overweight include diabetes and hypertension. These health conditions can significantly inhibit a person's quality of life and can lead to serious complications and possible loss of life.
As a department, DPH is engaged in finding creative methods to address these major risk factors for obesity and other chronic conditions. One such approach is Youth Activism Against Obesity, a collaborative effort working with youth to develop a social marketing campaign about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
The California Endowment
A Tradition of "Community, Health, Partnership"
The California Endowment was established in 1996 as a private, statewide health foundation by Blue Cross of California. From the start, The Endowment has had an unwavering focus on expanding access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities. The foundation also serves as an influential public voice for fundamental and lasting improvements in the health status of all Californians.
The Endowment believes that health care is a basic human right, and strives to understand and work with California's diverse and underserved populations. It actively supports a multicultural approach to health - one that is inclusive of all Californians, regardless of financial status, racial origin, cultural beliefs, gender, age, sexual orientation, geographic location and immigration status, or physical and mental abilities.
A central premise of the foundation is that communities play a pivotal role in identifying the health and wellness needs of its citizenry. The Endowment aims for its grant making to be responsive to community needs, and listens closely to the ideas and approaches to health improvement from California's numerous neighborhoods and local organizations.
Program Goals Leading the Charge
The Endowment supports programs that advance its three goals:
- Access to Health: Improve the health of underserved individuals and families by expanding access to health and mental health services.
- Community Health and Elimination of Health Disparities: Build healthy communities by improving the social and physical environments that shape health behaviors and outcomes.
- Culturally Competent Health Systems: Health systems characterized by patient-centered care that is understanding of and responsive to different cultures, languages and needs.
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
The Childhood Obesity Brain Trust (COBT)
Collaborating grantees:
The Accelerated School (lead agency); Los Angeles Unified School District; and the
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health- SPA 5/6. Other partners include:
Coalition for Community Health, Saint John's Well Child Center, Sustainable Economic
Enterprises of L.A. (SEE-L.A.), City of L.A. Commission for Children Youth and Their
Families, Norwood St. Elementary School, Hooper St. Elementary School, Worksite
Wellness L.A., Orthopaedic Hospital, South Central Family Health Center, Center
for Food and Justice at Occidental College, California Food Policy Advocates, Esperanza
Community Housing Corporation, L.A. Care, SOS Foundation, Los Angeles County Department
of Physical Activity, Los Angeles Department of Nutrition, Los Angeles Department
of Injury and Violence Prevention, Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Chronic
Disease Division, and Community Health Council's REACH 2010 project.
Community Description
The HEAC project is focusing its efforts on people living in zip codes 90007 and
90011, with a total population of 146,235, predominately Latino residents (60%),
and with significant numbers of African American (12%), Asian (11%) and white (16%)
residents as well. Between 65% and 80% of the residents of these two zip codes speak
English as a second language. 33-37% of children are overweight and 48-54% of children
are not physically fit. Neighborhoods in this area are noted for a preponderance
of fast food outlets and lack of access to safe spaces for physical activity.
The Childhood Obesity Brain Trust grew out of a series of discussions on the issues and impact of childhood obesity in South Central Los Angeles, including a Community Dialogue/Panel with Congressman Xavier Becerra in August 2004. COBT is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals and organizations with significant experience in health promotion/ disease prevention, health care, community outreach and education, community organizing, and an understanding of the needs of special populations.
Baldwin Park, Los Angeles County
The 57th Assembly District Grassroots Nutrition and Physical Activity Team
"Cities need to prioritize access to healthy food and make sure that our residents have plenty of safe places to exercise. It is imperative that youth take a leadership role in advocating for healthy environments. It's what made a difference in our community."
Councilwoman Marlen Garcia,
City of Baldwin Park.
Collaborating grantees:
The California Center for Public Health Advocacy (lead agency), the Baldwin Park
Unified School District, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
(Service Planning Area (SPA) 3&4). Other partners include: the City of Baldwin
Park, Kaiser Permanente, Citrus Valley Health Partners, CHOICES Program, the Baldwin
Park Resident Advisory Committee (BP-RAC) and Healthy Teens on the Move. The 57th
Assembly District Grassroots Nutrition and Physical Activity Team is a community
coalition with ten years of experience working to prevent obesity and diabetes.
The team, known in Baldwin Park as People on the Move, advocates for changes in
local and state policies and shares its experiences with community groups throughout
the state.
Community Description
The City of Baldwin Park in Los Angeles County is located in the San Gabriel Valley
about 20 miles inland from downtown LA. The city, which began as an agricultural
region in the 1860's, is today a suburb of 75,837 residents. The city's population
is predominately young (63% of the population is under the age of 35) and Latino
(79%). Over half of the residents are foreign-born and 70% speak a language other
than English at home. Over 32% of the city's children are overweight and 41% are
considered physically "unfit".
In the past decade, the city of Baldwin Park has made significant commitments to improving physical environments for children, including the development of a vibrant new teen center that has become a focal point for youth-led programming; including a healthy cooking kitchen, rock climbing wall and skate park. The City also passed the Healthy Policy Yields Healthy Minds Resolution (that mirrors state nutrition standards) in 2003, the first city ordinance in California to ensure that only healthy foods and beverages are sold in city-sponsored youth facilities.
The HEAC program is making it possible for community residents to become more engaged in city, community health and school planning processes. Youth and parent groups have educated the city and the school district about the challenges they face when trying to make healthier eating and physical lifestyle choices in Baldwin Park. Youth and parents have engaged in advocacy trainings, audits of neighborhoods, stores, schools and parks towards the development of policies and sustainable relationships. Working with City Council, City Planners, Parks and Recreation, the Police Department towards the development of local policies and programs to improve parks, walkability, and physical activity opportunities in after-school programs. Working with business owners and community residents, HEAC has collaborated with City Council and Baldwin Park Unified School District to improve healthier food and beverage options in Baldwin Park schools, corner stores and quality physical education.
