From: The California Health Collaborative (CHC) Board of Directors
Subject: CHC leaders express solidarity with the protests against social and racial injustice
The California Health Collaborative was organized upon the mission of promoting the health and well-being of all residents in California. In carrying out our mission, we have historically created programs and services that address the needs of underserved rural and urban populations.
Last week, we witnessed a tragedy that has become all too familiar among the Black community and people of color in our country and that revisits a history of racial, social, economic and health disparities. Across our country, people are horrified by the recent killing of George Floyd, and also Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We share in the outrage, despair, and senselessness.
As an organization devoted to bringing health and health access to underserved populations throughout California, and especially given the disparity in health and health outcomes among the Black community and others of color, we are deeply saddened by these tragic and unnecessary loss of lives. The problems of racism remain institutionalized and requires all of us, and all community-based organizations to take a strong stand against racial injustice and promote real and systemic social changes that will result in true equal protection under the law. The California Health Collaborative is firmly committed to be a part of the solution in addressing these issues and creating a “new normal” in our society that reflects justice, equality, and equal protection under the law.
We also believe it is wise to look back and remember what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in so many meaningful ways about these issues as he gave his life for the cause of civil rights and racial justice. These thoughts by Dr. King are as meaningful now as they were over 50 years ago.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only
love can do that.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”
“In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends”
The California Health Collaborative with this statement, declares that as part of our mission, we will commit to participate and join with our staff, and other community partners and elected officials to work together in finding the light in the darkness; to promote love instead of hate; and to address ways in which we can take meaningful and peaceful actions to support those in pain. Overall, we will work to heal the wounds and pain of injustice and listen for ways in which we can help those who have been in pain and suffering far too long because of racial and social injustice.
We conclude by stating that we stand ready to partner in working together –– in finding solutions that will alter the course of history in our country for a better outcome. We believe and stand for these principles and support efforts to make the world a place where justice is truly equal for all in our society.
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In response to the COVID -19 emergency, the California Health Collaborative (CHC) and its Board of Directors have established a home-based remote work environment for all of our staff. This took effect Wednesday March 18th, in response to a local Fresno City Ordinance scheduled to take effect at 12 midnight we closed our office in Fresno. All of our CHC staff are currently working from a home office environment and are maintaining communication with state and local public health authorities to ensure our compliance with prevention and containment efforts.
Although the COVID-19 emergency has challenged all non-profits throughout California and has required CHC to adjust our in-person and community events schedule, we continue to work on our service commitment with our partner agencies and the State of California via the Zoom platform.
The CHC recommends that all California residents seek and follow instructions from trusted sources of medical and scientific information. These sources include:
It is critical that you be informed and make your decisions based upon current factual information provided by these entities. These organization at the federal, state, and local level are the primary groups responsible for providing resources, services and guidance in addressing COVID-19. CHC will monitor this continually to ensure we are also fully compliant with Gov Newsom orders for all of California.
As a member of the statewide network of Non-profits serving all Californians, CHC urges you to stay healthy, stay informed and not afraid.
The California Health Collaborative (Collaborative) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization committed to enhancing the quality of life and health of the people of California, particularly the underserved and underrepresented. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Fresno, California, the Collaborative has multiple offices throughout California serving residents throughout the state.
Guided by its mission of “changing lives by improving health and wellness,” the Collaborative implements an array of health promotion and disease prevention programs, public health surveillance systems, and a variety of capacity-building and networking activities.
Since 1982, the Collaborative has helped to improve the lives of Californians by providing a variety of programs and services.
The Collaborative is committed to addressing the health needs of Californians, and places special emphasis on addressing the needs of the underserved, especially those who have limited access to resources affecting their well-being, and face barriers related to culture, language, income, education, gender, geography or immigration status.