November 19, 2024

California Hospital Medical Center expands early childhood services with new Head Start grant

LOS ANGELES (November 19, 2024) – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) is proud to announce it has been awarded its first Head Start grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The five-year grant, providing $913,597 annually, will fund comprehensive early childhood education services for 70 children ages 3-5 and their families residing in high-poverty areas.

This new funding builds upon CHMC's 25-year legacy of early childhood services through its Early Head Start program, established in 1997 in collaboration with UCLA. Based at its Hope Street Margolis Family Center adjacent to the hospital campus, CHMC's early childhood programs have been a cornerstone of its community health initiatives. CHMC is also the first CommonSpirit Health hospital to receive such funding and was one of four recipients in ACF's Region 9, which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.

"This grant represents a significant expansion of our commitment to serving our community's most vulnerable families," says Hope Street Director Vickie Kropenske. "By integrating Head Start services with our established Early Head Start program, we can now offer comprehensive support throughout the critical early childhood years."

The addition of Head Start services creates a seamless continuum of support from pregnancy through age five, encompassing:

Full-day, year-round educational services
Comprehensive health and developmental support
Family engagement and wellness programs
Mental health and disability services
Nutrition education and support
Services at no cost to eligible families

Through both Early Head Start and the new Head Start program, CHMC remains committed to:

Enhancing parents' and families' capacity to nurture and care for their children
Promoting children's overall health, development, school readiness, and academic achievement
Strengthening community partnerships and developing accessible, responsive services

The new grant includes $217,075 in start-up funding to launch the program.

Learn more about the impact of the Early Head Start Program on children and families in our community here.

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach for Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center. The generosity and vision of our donors generate the resources to provide the highest quality medical care to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The foundation has dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees a comprehensive fund development program incorporating special events, private foundation and corporate grants, individual giving and government support— raising more than $25 million per year. Learn more at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org.

About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health and is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit dignityhealth.org/californiahospital for more information.