The following is an open letter to the CHCF community from Sandra R. Hernández, the foundation’s President and CEO: 

 Many of us are still processing the outcome of the presidential election and the uncertainty it creates about the future of health care access and equity in our country. As an organization dedicated to serving the one in three Californians living in or near poverty and communities that have historically faced discrimination in our health system, we feel the same deep concern as many of you. 

 But times of greatest challenge are precisely when our mission matters most. 

 For over 25 years, CHCF has worked through changing political landscapes, economic challenges, and public health crises. Through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to: 

• Strengthen California’s health care safety net to serve those with the greatest needs and fewest resources 
• Expand coverage and access for communities facing systemic health barriers 
• Dismantle structural racism in health care and build truly equitable care systems 
• Support the dedicated providers and organizations serving our most marginalized communities 
• Use data and evidence to expose disparities and drive transformative change 

California has long been a leader in protecting and expanding health care access. The state’s drive for universal coverage, including the historic expansion of Medi-Cal to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status, shows what’s possible when we work together to make the health system more just.  

The innovations and improvements we’ve achieved together weren’t easy wins. They came from strong partnerships, persistent effort, and an unwavering commitment to health equity. 

In times of adversity, we find strength in many places: from our mission and values, from the compassion and ingenuity of our partners across the safety net, from California’s leadership in protecting residents with the greatest needs, and from the wisdom and resilience of the communities we serve.  

We will continue the work, no matter how challenging, to build a California where all residents achieve the highest attainable physical and mental health regardless of income, race, immigration status, or zip code. 

Sandra R. Hernández

Sandra R. Hernández, MD, is president and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation. Prior to joining CHCF, Sandra was CEO of The San Francisco Foundation. She previously served as director of public health for the City and County of San Francisco. Read More

More by this Author:

Voting Is Good for Your Health, Celebrating a New Era in Health Coverage, Celebrating the Expansion of Medi-Cal

Paula Ginsborg

Paula Ginsborg is the CHCF Communications & Engagement team’s digital design strategist, managing graphic design and digital imagery. Paula holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and Spanish from Mary Baldwin College and a certificate in design communication arts from UCLA Extension.