FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: lppipress@luskin.ucla.edu

UCLA LPPI Receives $650,000 Grant from the Cal Wellness Foundation to Advance Latino Community Well-being

LOS ANGELES (March 13, 2024) – The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) is proud to announce a $650,000 grant from The California Wellness Foundation. This generous funding highlights the Foundation’s commitment to investing in initiatives that impact California’s diverse populations. It underscores a strong alignment between UCLA LPPI’s extensive work across key areas impacting the Latino community and Cal Wellness’ commitment to advancing justice and enhancing community well-being in California.

The grant will be instrumental in establishing a new research program at UCLA LPPI focusing on empirical study, community-based inquiry, and policy analysis. This initiative is designed to produce actionable data to examine two crucial, intersecting systemic barriers that contribute to inequality and exclusion in Latino communities: climate change and health inequities.

“We are immensely grateful for the support from The California Wellness Foundation, which enables us to launch this vital research hub,” said Dr. Arturo Vargas Bustamante, UCLA LPPI faculty research director. “This funding is a cornerstone in our efforts to build an extensive evidence base crucial for understanding the relationship between climate change, social determinants of health, and health equity, particularly in communities of color throughout California.”

“The UCLA LPPI team is thrilled about the opportunities this new funding unlocks,” added Dr. Silvia González, director of research. “It will empower us to establish a research hub that delves into the complex ties between climate change, the communities in which people live and work, and the fair distribution of health resources in California’s communities of color. This hub isn’t just about studying these issues in isolation. Instead, we’re set to explore how climate change policies intersect with health fairness and how, through diverse strategies, we can influence policies to bring about tangible improvements. Our commitment at UCLA’s LPPI is to transform this research into actionable insights, making a real impact in the communities we serve.”

“Cal Wellness partners with communities to identify solutions that they believe in. This grant will help make high-quality and accessible data available for stakeholders to tailor policies that advance the well-being of California’s Latino community,” said California Wellness Foundation program director Jeff Kim. “Our funding also affirms the talents of California’s next generation of Latino leaders and supports them to take their place at decision-making tables.”

About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of the Latino community and advance social justice. Learn more at latino.ucla.edu.