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| From left to right : Presenter Alfred Mata, California Center for Public Health Advocacy and NHF staff Mia Arias, Tricia Fitzgerald, Alba Pena, Raymond Diaz, Lupe Martinez, Grace Cotangco, and John Rivera. |
National Health Foundation (NHF) is pleased to be honored by
the California Center for Public
Health Advocacy (CCPHA). We received the 2015 Visionary
Non-Profit, Southern California award for our dedication to the elimination of
health disparities, and for putting residents in the lead of developing,
advocating and implementing solutions that improve physical and mental health
outcomes.
We have been addressing the healthcare issues of the
underserved for more than 40 years. Our mission and vision are focused on
improving health and eliminating health disparities by developing and
supporting innovative programs that can provide systemic solutions that bridge
the gaps in the healthcare system.
We are proud to be focusing on engaging youth in several
programs so that they may become leaders in their community. With NHF’s guidance, students conduct
community-based research and learn ways
to promote health in their own neighborhoods. Currently, these youth-led
initiatives are empowering students to develop and lead health‐driven
community change and innovation.
NHF’s Health Academy, launched
in 2013 through a grant from the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Health, engages high school youth in conducting research projects
that identify challenges to consuming healthy foods and beverages, and
obstacles to being physically
active in South Los Angeles. Youth teams have used their research to implement
projects that promote nutrition and/or physical activity in their communities.
This year, NHF spearheaded a partnership that received a national planning
grant, The BUILD Health
Challenge Award, to map out key solutions to tackling obesity, diabetes and
cardiovascular
disease in two South Los Angeles neighborhoods.
At
its core, NHF embraces the philosophy that every individual, regardless of who
they are or where they live, can achieve the highest level of health. In
addition, NHF has recognized that to address the complex health issues plaguing
our communities effectively, we must build community capacity to promote
community health. Through innovative public health program implementation and
youth development emphasis, NHF is successfully addressing the health issues
communities face today while working to foster the next generation of health
leaders.
