What is the most cost-effective public health intervention?

August: National Immunization Awareness Month

Vaccines and immunizations are one of the most cost-effective interventions in public health, saving countless lives every year and enabling families to thrive. As children head back to school this fall, parents are urged to make sure their children are up-to-date on all their immunizations, especially since so many of us may have postponed seeing the doctor during the Covid-19 pandemic. And, not just for kids, adults also need to stay current with their immunizations. Not sure if you’re up-to-date or not? Here’s an Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool from the CDC that may help you.

Grantee news

License to Freedom | Behavioral Health

KPBS recently reported on the good work being done through agencies in the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition Behavioral Health Initiative.  License to Freedom was highlighted as the agency taking the lead on providing behavioral health services to refugees. Their objective is to serve as a role model in best practices for similar agencies in the U.S.  According to CEO, Dilkwhaz Ahmed, it’s the priority attention to culture and language that is making the difference in serving the community effectively. Full story here.

Partner news

Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation | Common Future

Executive Director of Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation, Roque Barros, has been accepted into the Common Future Policy Incubator to work in a cohort that is developing a new approach to policy, development and advocacy. Common Future is building a new type of “think and do tank,” one that is inclusive, pragmatic, and deeply collaborative. And, it has assembled seasoned community builders like Roque who have a bold vision to bring transformative economic policy to life. Congratulations, Roque!

You are an asset builder when….

CABC Census

“Do you work at an organization or agency that helps low-income people earn more money, save money, afford housing, or run a business in California? Or an organization that aims to in some way make California equitable for communities that have been excluded from economic security? If you do, then the California Asset Building Coalition (CABC) considers you an asset builder, and they want to hear from you.

The California Asset Building Coalition (CABC) believes that everyone doing this work brings to it important skills and strengths shaped by our personal (often called “lived”) experiences. It also believes that, like technical expertise or formal education, these skills and strengths can be articulated and should be recognized, since they can inform hiring, funding, and policy making decisions.”

CA Asset Building Coalition wants us to value who we are at work and make our work visible. Please share and complete the CABC Community Census.

SD County First in U.S. for GEDs

All 18 hospital ERs accredited as Geriatric Emergency Departments

In ten years, all baby boomers will be age 65 or older. Through a public-private effort led by the Gary and Mary West Foundation, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, and UCSD Health, 18 hospitals and the Imperial County Hospital Association worked to update their ERs to meet the accreditation criteria to be designated Geriatric Emergency Departments. Recognized at the state level, San Diego has become the first and only County in the U.S. to be fully GED accredited throughout the 18 hospital system. Watch here.

Upcoming events

Behavioral Health Symposium | Aug 23

The San Diego Workforce Partnership will be hosting the Behavioral Health Symposium to discuss the release of a new report: Addressing San Diego’s Behavioral Health Worker Shortage. More info.

CIE-California Forum | Aug 25

San Diego’s Community Information Exchange (CIE) is holding the California Forum next week. The CIE data-sharing infrastructure is a leading model in the U.S. Join CIE and other stakeholders from across the country to discuss designing systems that meet the needs of Medicaid recipients and other vulnerable populations while prioritizing local community governance.

Circulate San Diego Momentum Awards | Sept 14

Mobility options help keep communities vibrant and healthy. Circulate San Diego’s annual Momentum Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the people and projects that make San Diego a great place to live.

Cause Conference 2022 | Sept 15

Join business, non-profit and community leaders at Cause Conference San Diego 2022 to collaborate on social impact initiatives that make a difference. This year’s co-chairs are Donna DeBerry, CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce and Grant Oliphant, CEO of The Conrad Prebys Foundation. We’re pleased to share with you a 20% discount when you register. Use code: AHFGUEST when registering here.