Blue Shield of California Foundation Gives $6 Million to Address Domestic Violence and Improve Healthcare for Low-Income Californians
Third-quarter grants include funds for culturally-focused prevention efforts and community engagement
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 19, 2017) – Blue Shield of California Foundation announced today $6 million in grants to contribute to breaking the cycle of domestic violence by enlisting boys and men of color, and to engage new advocates in the development of broader and more integrated approaches to improve the health and lives of the Californians most in need.
“This quarter’s grants reflect an ongoing commitment to our core values, and to the issues and people at the center of our mission,” said Peter Long, PhD, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation.
Q3 funding includes support for a unique leadership program that engages men and boys of color in the movement to end domestic violence. A grant to PolicyLink, an Oakland-based research and social action institute, will expand their work with The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color to explore the detrimental impacts of taking a criminal justice approach to domestic violence and investigate the role of trauma, culture, and community violence on young lives and develop preventative solutions.
“While current federal policies threaten access to healthcare and domestic violence services here in California, the Foundation remains committed to working with our partners and grantees to promote changes that will protect and advance the wellbeing of our communities,” said Dr. Long.
Another grant will support the Public Health Institute to manage the newly created “California Future Health Workforce Commission.” The Foundation joins The California Endowment, The California Health Care Foundation, and The California Wellness Foundation in this collaborative effort to broaden and strengthen our state’s healthcare workforce to meet current and future demands as well as to improve access to high-quality care, particularly for patients in underserved communities.
A full list of quarterly grants and recipient organizations can be found here.
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About Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the state's largest and most trusted grantmaking organizations. Our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians, particularly the underserved, by making health care accessible, effective, and affordable, and by ending domestic violence. For more information, visit: www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.
Press contacts:
Blue Shield of California Foundation: Christine.Maulhardt [at] Blueshieldcafoundation.org (Christine Maulhardt); 415.229.6145
The Reis Group: esalter [at] thereisgroup.com (Emma Salter); 202.868.4012