Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) - the only statewide organization with a specific emphasis on Latino health - was founded in 1992 by health care providers, consumers and advocates to impact Latino health through enhanced information, policy development and community involvement. Since then, the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California has positioned itself to meet the primary goal of its mission: "To develop and support policies, services and conditions that will improve the health of Latinos."
LCHC accomplishes this by addressing inequities in quality of health care; building advocacy for high quality, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate health care and prevention services; informing the public to make choices that favor better health outcomes; and empowering communities to fully participate in health planning, implementation, evaluation, and advocacy. As the leading voice on Latino health, three major functions provide essential focus to the organization's work: public policy and advocacy; community education; and research. These functions complement LCHC's work in three key strategic areas: access to health care, health disparities and community health.
As the leading voice on Latino health, we assist decision-makers throughout the state to develop policies, services and the social, economic and environmental conditions that improve the health of Latinos while also mobilizing local and statewide organizations. LCHC is also the institutional chair of the Latino Health Alliance, a coalition of statewide organizations with expertise on Latino health dedicated to improving the health and well being of California 's Latinos.
Through the LCHC Regional Networks in the Central Valley, Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles, community members and elected officials engage in dialogue regarding pressing Latino health issues. The regional networks meet quarterly to discuss regional health issues while being mobilized to participate at the state level on legislation and state budget issues. The Rapid Response Network educates and informs over 2,800 community members via email about state policy issues and generates mass communication from community members to elected officials.
LCHC produces relevant research and policy briefs regarding Latino health. LCHC has conducted research and produced research papers in conjunction with the University of California, Los Angeles and the federal Office of Minority Health.
If you are interested becoming part of a larger movement of professionals, medical providers, legislative staff and others who are interested in advancing the health of Latinos, please consider becoming a member of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.
