National Health Foundation Receives the 2015 California Center for Public Health Advocacy’s Visionary Nonprofit Award

From left to right : Presenter Alfred Mata, California Center for Public Health Advocacy and NHF staff Mia Arias, Tricia Fitzgerald, Alba Pena, Raymond Diaz, Lupe Martinez, Grace Cotangco, and John Rivera.

National Health Foundation (NHF) is pleased to be honored by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA). We received the 2015 Visionary Non-Profit, Southern California award for our dedication to the elimination of health disparities, and for putting residents in the lead of developing, advocating and implementing solutions that improve physical and mental health outcomes.

We have been addressing the healthcare issues of the underserved for more than 40 years. Our mission and vision are focused on improving health and eliminating health disparities by developing and supporting innovative programs that can provide systemic solutions that bridge the gaps in the healthcare system.

We are proud to be focusing on engaging youth in several programs so that they may become leaders in their community. With NHF’s guidance, students conduct community-based research and learn ways to promote health in their own neighborhoods. Currently, these youth-led initiatives are empowering students to develop and lead health‐driven community change and innovation.

NHF’s Health Academy, launched in 2013 through a grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, engages high school youth in conducting research projects that identify challenges to consuming healthy foods and beverages, and obstacles to being physically active in South Los Angeles. Youth teams have used their research to implement projects that promote nutrition and/or physical activity in their communities. This year, NHF spearheaded a partnership that received a national planning grant, The BUILD Health Challenge Award, to map out key solutions to tackling obesity, diabetes and

cardiovascular disease in two South Los Angeles neighborhoods.

At its core, NHF embraces the philosophy that every individual, regardless of who they are or where they live, can achieve the highest level of health. In addition, NHF has recognized that to address the complex health issues plaguing our communities effectively, we must build community capacity to promote community health. Through innovative public health program implementation and youth development emphasis, NHF is successfully addressing the health issues communities face today while working to foster the next generation of health leaders.