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April 27, 2021By Physicians for a Healthy California General

Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) has a rich history that started in 1963 as a charitable arm of the California Medical Association, and today, PHC has grown into one of California’s leading advocates for improved community health. The 2020 annual report highlights PHC's efforts to improve community health, grow a diverse physician workforce and promote health equity.

"In 2020, COVID-19 ravaged California communities and families, claiming the lives of nearly 60,000 family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers," said Lupe Alonzo-Diaz, President and CEO of PHC. "Physicians and health care workers inspired everyone by sacrificing their lives, personal health and quality time with loved ones in an unrelenting effort to keep our communities safe and healthy. The pandemic also shined a brighter light on the widening equity gaps that still exist in far too many California communities. COVID-19 infection rates were notably higher in communities with high poverty rates, and those living in the poorest areas of our state had contract rates higher than those in wealthier areas. Latinx and Black residents also had disproportionately higher rates of hospitalization than white residents. PHC believes in strong partnerships with government, because good government can solve problems and help incentivize behaviors beneficial to public health and equity. Our work remains vitally important, and PHC continues to be committed to realizing the state’s promise of quality, timely and affordable health care for all Californians."

Download PHC's 2020 Annual Report to learn more.