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# LA Leaders Launch Private Foundation to Offset $50M in Public Health Cuts
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/la-leaders-launch-private-foundation-to-offset-50m-in-public-health-cuts/
- Published: 2026-04-12T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-12T18:59:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Health, Los Angeles

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