Our fellows and grantees produce ambitious, deeply reported stories in partnership with the Center for Health Journalism on a host of timely health, social welfare and equity topics. In addition, the center publishes original reporting and commentary from a host of notable contributors, focused on the intersection of health and journalism. Browse our story archive, or go deeper on a given topic or keyword by using the menus below.
Santa Clara County addresses food insecurity among Asian seniors with culturally tailored meals, boosting health and community through programs like Yu-Ai Kai, India Community Center, and vendor partnerships like Moonstar.
Tony Francis (97) argues that the “powers that be” don’t pay enough attention to the health needs of Black seniors. He and his three nonagenarian siblings credit their longevity to close family ties.
Angela Khang's father’s disappearance highlights stigma, misconceptions, and cultural barriers around dementia in Chinese communities, delaying diagnosis, care, and support access.
Former legislator Cheryl Brown is the two-time chair of the California Commission on Aging. She took part in the advisory committee for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging and continues to serve on its Equity Advisory Committee on Aging and Disability. She discusses California's master plan on aging, and notes that “equity is about ensuring that we intentionally uplift the voices of people who are underrepresented, underserved and unheard." That includes communities of color.
Californians are living longer and the state’s aging population has forced policymakers to focus more on the growing ranks of older adults as they plan for the state’s future. Black experts in the field want to ensure that African American seniors aren’t left out of the conversation. Representation in research and recruitment in academia matters, but these remain huge unsolved challenges.
Preparing for death is often seen as a foreign concept in the Korean community. Managing living conditions is emphasized over preparations for death. Somang Society, a senior led organization has come up with the campaign “Well Being, Well Aging, and Well Dying” to create a “beautiful life and a beautiful end.” Korean seniors are invited to discuss dementia diagnosis and coping, advance directives, and body donation pledges to be aware of their physical and mental health and to prepare for death in a way that brings emotional stability.
The process is complex, and there’s a lot to learn about accessing funds effectively and then reporting back to the state authority that funding was used appropriately.
Very few rural localities have accessed funds for programs that serve pregnant and parenting women.
