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.
When SNAP benefits were paused on Nov. 1, millions of people were left without cash assistance to buy food. To fill the gap, restaurants like Al Pastor Papi began offering free meals to CalFresh (SNAP) recipients, food banks expanded deliveries and the city launched a philanthropy-backed partnership to distribute one-time prepaid grocery cards, but advocates warn that these pauses are only a preview of looming, long-term federal cuts that could push more than half a million Californians into food insecurity, with no quick rebound in sight.
Chinese immigrant mothers in Southern California seeking care face language barriers, billing fights and fear of using public benefits. Many instead are turning to community clinics and informal networks.
Across Southern California, Chinese immigrant mothers are raising young children amid sky-high childcare costs, thin safety nets and deep stigma around mental health — leaving many exhausted and isolated.
Ninety-nine year old Ronghui Ye lives in a senior housing complex subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the federal Section 8 program, which provides long-term rental assistance for low-income families. Residents who live in these units pay about 30% of their income in rent. Ye moved in 2000, after winning a lucky draw — a system now replaced by decades-long waiting lists.
Around 400,000 Californians could lose their health coverage if Congress fails to extend federal health subsidies before the end of the year.
For many CalFresh recipients across Orange County with large concentrations in immigrant neighborhoods like Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Westminster, November arrived with empty EBT balances, stalled benefits, and no clear answers.
In San Francisco, a growing number of Latinos who work physically demanding jobs are turning to supplements like Artri Ajo King and related supplements to relieve chronic pain. The supplements are marketed as natural remedies for pain relief. But doctors warn of hidden pharmaceuticals that can lead to serious medical conditions, including liver toxicity and death.
Rural EMTs face long shifts, long transports, limited resources, rising mental-health and chronic-disease calls, and a heavy emotional toll.
