Health equity

Help us bring health care to those who need it most.

All people deserve access to high-quality health care in a setting that respects and understands their unique needs. But as we’ve seen during the pandemic, many people face barriers to care, including longstanding shortages of doctors and health care specialists in the Central Valley and other parts of the state.

That’s why the University of California has made health equity a top priority. Will you stand with us and show your support for this important goal?

UC is tackling health care disparities on multiple fronts. Its six medical schools have ramped up programs that are training a new generation of physicians to work with underserved communities. Nearly three quarters of the students enrolled in UC’s Programs in Medical Education – or UC PRIME – are themselves from groups that have faced historic barriers to care. UC is also partnering with California Community Colleges to help more students, especially those from underrepresented communities, get on a path to medical school.

In fact, the entire UC health enterprise – from training of the next generation of health care professionals to patient care in our top-rated hospitals to medical research breakthroughs for new treatments and cures – is devoted to improving the well-being of all Californians. Together, UC’s academic health centers are the second largest providers of Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid) hospital services in the state by most measures, and on any given day more than 35% of our hospital beds are being used by Medi-Cal patients.

Strong partnerships with state and federal agencies can help us do even more, which is why your support is critical.