#United States #Camarillo #Gold Coast Health Plan #Ventura County #RISE Grant Program

Gold Coast Health Plan's RISE Grant Initiative

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), a prominent healthcare provider serving Medi-Cal members in Ventura County, has officially rolled out its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. This groundbreaking initiative, announced on June 25, 2025, represents a significant investment of $21.9 million over three years, aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in the region.

The RISE Grant Program

The RISE Grant Program is designed to address critical deficiencies in both physical and behavioral health care while promoting health equity in the Ventura County community. By empowering organizations that collaborate with GCHP, such as hospitals, clinics, and non-profits, the initiative targets improved access to care and enhanced patient experiences for Medi-Cal members.

"Our strategic investments and collaboration with provider and community groups have accelerated our ability to connect more members with care," stated Dr. Felix Nuñez, the CEO of GCHP. He emphasized that engaging the community in this program is crucial in improving health outcomes for all members of Medi-Cal.

In the first year, GCHP awarded $11.3 million to 16 organizations after a competitive review process conducted by the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI). Notable projects include:

• - Ventura County Medical Center Women's Health Breast Imaging Center: Received $2,034,970 to enhance capacity and decrease wait times through equipment upgrades.
• - Clinicas del Camino Real Inc.: Funded with $2 million aimed at expanding urgent care services and adding mammography capabilities.
• - Community Memorial Health System: Awarded $2,847,994 to create a behavioral health psychiatry program, integrating mental health services across various facilities.

Focus Areas of Investment

The initiative places a strong emphasis on various key areas:

1. Cancer Screenings: Focused on improving access to essential screenings.
2. Mental Health: Strategies to enhance mental health services for youth and address substance use disorders.
3. Nutrition and Food Access: Supporting initiatives to provide fresh produce to low-income communities, including the Fresh for All program by Food Share.
4. Pediatrics and Family Care: Expanding in-home health services for children, especially in underserved areas, supported by Amigo Baby, Inc.
5. Public Health and Prevention: Including mobile teams to reach unhoused individuals for health education and screening.

The various projects funded reflect GCHP's commitment to ensuring that underserved populations receive vital health services, ultimately working towards a healthier community overall.

Emphasis on Community Collaboration

Numerous leaders in the health sector have expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Pablo Velez, CEO of Amigo Baby, Inc., noted, "This grant is a lifeline for Ventura County's underserved families, allowing us to provide vital pediatric home health services with compassion and equity. Together, we're creating brighter futures for children who need every opportunity to thrive."

Additionally, GCHP's previous initiatives underscore its ongoing commitment to healthcare quality in Ventura County, including a $50 million plan for quality improvements and funding for medical equipment across health centers.

Erik Cho, GCHP's Chief Policy and Program Officer, commented on the long-standing partnerships: "Our strong partnerships with providers have significantly improved access to care and health outcomes. This new grant program builds on that success by extending support to clinics, nonprofits, and other community organizations that meet our members where they are—helping them overcome barriers to accessing the medical care they need and deserve."

Conclusion

The RISE Grant Program offers an innovative pathway to bolstering health outcomes in Ventura County. The award period for this inaugural round runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, during which GCHP and IHI will collaborate with grantees to track progress and measure the impact of these critical investments in community health.

For those interested in learning more about Gold Coast Health Plan and its initiatives, visit www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.