Los Angeles community leaders and civic partners have launched The Fund for Advancing Public Health LA, a privately funded foundation aimed at protecting essential public health services as LA County faces steep budget reductions.
The launch comes as LA County has sustained nearly $50 million in cuts to public health programs since the beginning of 2025, resulting in reductions in services and workforce — including the closure of seven public health clinics — that have disproportionately impacted the county's most marginalized communities.
The foundation will generate flexible, non-federal revenue to support disease prevention, health promotion, environmental health, and emergency preparedness, with a focus on serving residents regardless of immigration status, income, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
"This foundation is designed to work hand-in-hand with community-based organizations, advocates, healthcare leaders, and other sectors — because lasting change happens when we come together with a shared purpose," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the LA Department of Public Health and a founding board member.
The foundation was launched at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Its founding board includes Ferrer; Debbie I. Chang, president and CEO of Blue Shield California; Sean Penn, co-founder of CORE; actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo; and representatives from the American Red Cross, the LA Dodgers, LA Care Health Plan, and Charles Drew University.
Full board biographies are available at advancingpublichealthla.org/board.
Edited by SMDP Staff