UCLA Center for Health Policy Research receives $1 million grant from Kaiser Permanente

​ Los Angeles - Kaiser Permanente announced today a $1 million grant to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research to support the Center's California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). The survey provides statewide information on the overall population including many racial and ethnic groups as well as local-level information on most counties.

CHIS, a telephone survey of adults, adolescents, and children from all parts of the state, is used by health advocates, health care workers, policy makers and the media across California and the nation to understand health conditions and trends. Conducted every two years since 2001, CHIS is the largest state health survey and one of the largest health surveys in the United States.

"The need for credible health information has never been more important," said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region. "As the economic crisis takes an increasing toll on Californians, the information gathered by CHIS can help government leaders find effective solutions that will protect the health of their constituents. This data will be an important tool in coming policy debates."

The CHIS sample represents the geographic and socio-economic diversity of California, and the available multi-language interviews accommodate the state's rich ethnic diversity. This data is essential for health planning and important comparison purposes.

"With health disparities becoming readily more apparent among underserved people in our state, key information regarding our extremely diverse population is of utmost importance," said Diana Bontá, DrPH, vice president, Public Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region. "The funding this grant provides will drive the development of real solutions for helping people who need our assistance the most. We are proud to be part of this effort, especially in the current economic environment."

Among its many uses, CHIS data has been used by state legislators and the Governor's office in health care reform efforts; as a basis of new legislation to expand participation in the federal food stamp program; and, by the Los Angeles City Council in drafting an ordinance prohibiting the establishment of new fast food restaurants in South Los Angeles. The Kaiser Permanente grant will fund health data collection for the 2009 cycle of CHIS on a wide variety of important health topics, including obesity and food insecurity.

"Topics like food insecurity are of particular importance given California's economic climate," said David Grant, PhD, director of the California Health Interview Survey. "The grant will enable the health community to understand and respond to the negative effects of the recession, as well as consider new trends and formulate innovative solutions."

The California Health Interview Survey is the nation's largest state health survey and one of the largest health surveys in the United States. It is administered by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in collaboration with the California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health and the Public Health Institute.

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research is one of the nation's leading health policy research centers and the premier source of key health policy information on Californians.

Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, the program is headquartered in Oakland, Calif. Kaiser Permanente serves 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Today it encompasses Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the Permanente Medical Groups. Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente includes approximately 164,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and 14,000 physicians representing all specialties. The organization's Labor Management Partnership is the largest such health care partnership in the United States. It governs how more than 130,000 workers, managers, physicians and dentists work together to make Kaiser Permanente the best place to receive care, and the best place to work. In 2007, Kaiser Permanente proudly directed $1 billion to support community benefit programs and services through research, community-based health partnerships, and direct health coverage for low-income families and collaboration with community clinics, health departments and public hospitals. For more Kaiser Permanente news, visit the Kaiser Permanente News Center.