California Hospital Medical Center Awards $270,000 to Three Nonprofit Organizations through its Community Health Improvement Grant Program

Los Angeles, Calif. ― Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center has awarded $270,000 in community grants to three nonprofits in the Greater Los Angeles area that work to provide the community with critical health and human services, including homelessness, human-trafficking and mental health. Grants are awarded through Dignity Health’s Community Health Improvement Grants program, which helps non-profit organizations whose efforts aid in building healthier communities by improving health and living conditions. 

“Partnering with local nonprofits who share our vision and mission of improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, is essential to the well-being of our community. Not to mention, it’s one of our favorite things to do,” shared Alina Moran, California Hospital Medical Center President. “Collectively, our efforts will have a significant impact in the lives of the most underserved populations in Los Angeles.” 

Since the grant program began, California Hospital has given away millions to nonprofit agencies who are changing the lives of Angelinos for the better.

"Dignity Health's annual community grants program is a testament to our dedication to improving the health and well-being of Californians," shares Julie J. Sprengel, California Region President, CommonSpirit Health. "By awarding over five million dollars in grants to nearly 100 non-profit partners, together, we are addressing some of the more challenging public health issues, such as food and housing insecurities, domestic violence, and mental health."

Organizations selected to receive 2024 Dignity Health Community Grants include:

Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) | Awarded $90,000
The Downtown Women's Center Health and Wellness Program addresses the need for gender-specific, low-barrier access to physical and mental health services for women experiencing homelessness and trauma in Los Angeles. Through the program, DWC will provide case management to 900 women and provide physical, mental, and behavioral health support to 350 women through individualized services and educational workshops designed to address the health barriers that impact housing retention. With an understanding that health challenges are among the most significant barriers to participants' stability, DWC’s approach to holistic wellness also ensures women experiencing homelessness are able to pursue broader goals, like finding and retaining employment or housing. 

Journey Out | Awarded $90,000
The Project will focus on addressing the community health needs of violence and injury, behavioral health, and housing by providing victims of human trafficking with emotional and mental health services, case management and connections to community services, and emergency housing needs. In addition, Journey Out will collaborate with the Medical Safe Haven Program, SISTAHFRIENDS, and Jenesse Center to serve human trafficking victims with a whole-person approach, as well as provide victims with the support services they need to move their lives forward and free from violence and abuse. 

St. Francis Center | Awarded $90,000
St. Francis Center (SFC) will provide health and hygiene programs and wraparound supportive services to our unhoused and extremely low-income communities. This grant will support SFC's hunger relief programs, including the unhoused breakfast program and pantry programs. It will increase the health and wellness of the local community by providing resource services, referrals and in-house services, including showers, clean clothing, underwear, socks, and laundry services. By partnering with health and wellness providers and similar organizations, SFC will continue to offer no-cost medical and wellness services to the community on a consistent basis. 

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About Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center 

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the largest health care systems.