​Authors compared semi-structured interview data from participants in youth civic groups involved in the Building Healthy Communities Initiative in 13 low-income, predominantly immigrant communities in California with responses for youth ages 13-17 from the 2013-2014 California Health Interview Survey to assess whether community-based organizations (CBOs) help generate, diffuse and maintain a culture of engagement and health to benefit marginalized populations most at risk for illness, disability and poor health.

The study was supported by The California Endowment, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Spencer Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.