ROBYN DOBSON
Jan 14, 2024
Dignity Health recently announced the distribution of $1,060,274 to 15 community-based organizations in Sacramento and Yolo Counties to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations.
Every three years, Dignity Health and health system partners conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment in each county to determine the most pressing health priorities. The 2022 community assessment indicated that having access to mental and behavioral health and substance-use services are key priorities, as well as having access to basic needs such as housing, jobs and food, according to a press release from Dignity Health.
“A core element of our mission is giving back and we take pride in sustaining our support for organizations that go the extra mile to address the diverse needs of our community,” said Dignity Health Community Health and Outreach Manager, Phoua Moua. “These collaborations empower us to take on the intricate health and human challenges faced by our community.”
Two Yolo County community partnership projects were selected, totaling $94,000 in community grants.
The first selected program was Thriving Pink ProspeROSA: A Collaborative Breast Cancer Outreach, Education and Program Model. Thriving Pink was awarded $64,000.
Thriving Pink is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that aims to support and serve those in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer by providing a network of support and resources. ProspeROSA addresses the need for breast cancer education, screening and support among Latinas in the county by deploying Tu Historia Cuenta, an evidence based promotores education program that connects those at high risk to screening.
The program also offers support, education, navigation and resources for breast cancer patients and survivors. ProspeROSA connects the Latino and Spanish-speaking community with information to resources including important genetic testing, free mammograms and breast cancer support.
Thriving Pink Board Chair Joni Rubin said they were excited to get the grant award, emphasizing how important outreach and education are for everyone, especially those in the Latino community. Approximately one in 10 Latina women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to Rubin, those in the Latino community are also four times less likely to get genetic testing.
Rubin also mentioned how grateful they were for their partners, as it allows them to reach more parts of the community and further their goals for the program.
“I think this will advance our goals for ProspeROSA tremendously,” Rubin said. “This also really allows us to further enhance the connections with our partners. This will be really transformative.”
Collaborators include the UC Davis Office of Community Outreach and Engagement Comprehensive Cancer Center and Winters Healthcare.
To learn more about Thriving Pink and ProspeROSA, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/prosperosa or email prosperosa@thrivingpink.org.
Yolo County Public Defender CARES was awarded $30,000 for their Resilient Futures Fund. This project targets incarceration and poor health function as a causal loop for many indigent individuals who are accused of crimes and struggle with social determinants of health.
Resilient Futures Fund helps to remove financial barriers to success by partnering with agencies who represent and/or provide services to justice impacted clients.
Collaborators include the Yolo County Conflict Panel and Yolo County District Attorney’s Office – Restorative Justice Partnership.
“I find ongoing inspiration in the inventive and unique solutions crafted by our community partners to address the expanding needs of our community,” said Michael Korpiel, Greater Sacramento Market president of Dignity Health.
“Through our investments in these organizations, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and comprehensiveness. Our objective is to provide the community with the necessary resources and support essential for leading healthy, prosperous lives while also minimizing the likelihood of significant future health interventions.”