All Californians deserve the opportunity to reach their best health. Health equity means ensuring people have what they need to be healthy. Yet too many Californians face steep barriers to care, based on who they are, where they live, and how much they earn.
We invest in programs, research, and policies that remove those barriers and improve the health care system for everyone.
On this page, explore our subtopics and read our featured and recent publishing.
Related Subtopics
Essential Resources on Health Equity
Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in California Almanac — 2024 Edition
Disparities among historically marginalized groups in California occur across many demographic categories. This Almanac provides data that show how people of color face barriers in accessing health care, often receive suboptimal treatment, and are most likely to experience poor outcomes in the health care system.
Our Approach
CHCF is working to make the health care system more fair and inclusive for all Californians. We drive change through multiple strategies, including using data to monitor inequity and improvement, developing policies and best practices that remove barriers to access, ensuring the workforce reflects California’s diversity, and supporting organizations that foster community resilience.
Why This Work Matters
California is one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation — and one where health care disparities exist. These aren’t gaps that close on their own.
The stakes are significant. When people cannot get the care they need because of the size of their paycheck or the language they speak, it leads to more preventable illness, increases costs across the system, and undermines the well-being of entire communities.
When we make the health care system work better for those Californians facing the biggest challenges, we make it more effective for everyone.
Recent Resources
A Systemic Attack on Health: Why the New Public Charge Rule Endangers California
