UCLA Grants $140K For Preventative Care In Underserved Part Of L.A.

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has granted $140,000 to eight community organizations in South Los Angeles to boost the use of preventative healthcare services among African-Americans and Latinos over the age of 50.

UCLA officials noted that while simple preventative care such as flu shots, cholesterol tests and colorectal cancer screenings can cut costs and save lives, participation rates among low-income and minority groups are sometimes 50% below national goals for the use of preventative care.

“South L.A. seniors are at high risk of having easily-preventable health conditions and diseases," said Peggy Toy, director of the UCLA Center's health data program. "These grants will empower the groups that know their communities best to enable them to get the preventive care they need and which everyone should have access to."

Six recipients received $20,000 apiece. They included The Girls Club of Los Angeles, Esperanza Community Housing and Worksite Wellness L.A. Two other recipients – the California Black Women's Health Project and Cedars-Sinai Coach for Kids and Their Families – received $10,000 apiece.