California impact
Our work in California
More than 11 million Californians live in Health Professional Shortage Areas where there are insufficient numbers of healthcare providers to meet patient needs. In these regions, existing providers are often overburdened, leading to high rates of burnout and turnover, which further destabilize care delivery.
In partnership with local health leaders, HEAL built the California HEAL Program to improve healthcare retention and make meaningful improvements in healthcare access and quality through fellow-led community health projects, cross-sector collaboration, and leadership development. The program connects two types of fellows—Social Medicine Fellows (primary care physicians) and Community Fellows (health professionals already embedded in their communities)—to build a peer network grounded in shared commitment and real-world collaboration. Together, they strengthen California’s healthcare system from within.
Our impact
8
Different professions represented across California HEAL Fellows
80%
Of California HEAL Fellows speak Spanish
3
Low Healthcare Provider Service Areas served by California HEAL Fellows
impact stories
Latest California News
Blog: Building Stronger Health Systems Through Global Collaboration.
The quarterly California HEAL training and cohort immersion brought together HEAL Fellows, alumni, and partners from around the world for deep conversations and learning from the Inland Empire health system.
Webinar: Caring for California Communities Amid Raids, Cuts, and Deepening Need.
A powerful, on-the-ground perspective from a journalist and funder on what it means to show up for Californians most impacted by immigration enforcement, shrinking safety-net resources, and deepening community need.
Social Media: A Look Inside a California HEAL Training
From learning how healthcare workers in Los Angeles protect patients during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to reflecting in a Wellbeing Circle, the California HEAL Program’s first quarterly gathering was about connection, resilience, and action.