Young Adults looking at camera and laughing

Two charts used by RisingCommunities.org and a photo of young people looking at camera and laughing and another group therapy photo.Northridge Hospital Foundation Launches Empowering Outreach Program with $954,813 Grant for Community Health!


Northridge Hospital Foundation has been awarded a $954,813 grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This funding will support the program “Enhancing Community Health Work for Sustainable Outreach and Navigation (CHW SON)”, aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term COVID-19 needs in our hardest-hit communities.

Program Overview

The CHW SON program will provide a range of essential services to support community health and develop a resilient infrastructure post-pandemic. Key components of the program include:

  • Immediate Support: Addressing urgent COVID-19 needs.
  • Long-Term Impact: Supporting the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
  • Community Health Navigators (CHN): Hiring dedicated professionals to offer outreach, education, and direct referrals to essential services such as food, clothing, housing, mental health support, and health care.

Program Goals

The primary objective of the CHW SON program is to reduce health disparities by focusing on social determinants of health, offering early intervention, and promoting health education.

Key Program Elements

1. Increase Accessibility to Services:

  • CHNs will provide health education, distribute PPE, and connect individuals to health and social services.

2. Assist Navigation of Complex Systems:

  • Personalized assistance will help community members understand and access available resources.

3. Streamline the Referral Process:

  • Outreach and system navigation will simplify the referral process for those in need.

4. Empower Individuals:

  • Increasing awareness of available resources will empower community members to take control of their health and well-being.

5. Provide a Supportive Environment:

  • CHNs will offer empathetic, client-centered assistance, fostering trust and encouraging individuals to seek help without hesitation.

This grant will help us enhance community health and create a brighter future for our neighborhoods.