Implementing public health interventions into health policy can be an arduous, challenging endeavor for researchers and academics. To address the need for more evidence-based and equitable health policies at the state and local levels, the California Initiative for Health Equity & Action (Cal-IHEA) was established. Originally founded in 2019, Cal-IHEA has relaunched its operations at UC Irvine’s Program in Public Health as its home campus.
Originally based at UC Berkeley, Cal-IHEA is a research and policy center with a mission to support the translation of research evidence into state health policy and public health practice to improve health equity in California. Funded by the University of California Multicampus Research Initiative, Cal-IHEA secured a nearly million-dollar award to continue progress in workforce development, community partnerships, and translation of research into policy.
Led by Denise Payán, PhD, MPP, associate professor of health, society, and behavior at the UC Irvine Program in Public Health, Cal-IHEA has core faculty from four UC campuses: Irvine, Berkeley, Merced, and Riverside, and more than 220 faculty affiliates who engage in health equity research across the UC system.
Our efforts towards driving health equity are crucial, even in a progressive state like California, because poverty rates, racial/ethnic health disparities, and health care provider shortages continue to worsen.”
– Denise Payán, PhD, MPP
The Center’s work spans three priority areas.
- Building a workforce for health equity: Recognizing the critical importance of investing in and training a diverse health workforce in California, Cal-IHEA runs two major programs, the Undergraduate Health Equity Scholars program for trainees to learn about the state policymaking process and the Graduate Fellowship Program where UC graduate students conduct health equity research, develop translational products, and engage in professional development activities.
- Collaborating with diverse stakeholders to narrow health disparities and inequities: Informed by feedback from its multi-sectorial advisory board, Cal-IHEA members collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and state and regional organizations focused on health care, public health, advocacy, and consumers/patients, to produce timely and relevant evidence. Cal-IHEA also provides technical assistance to policymakers through the Quickstrike Consultations where we connect UC faculty with policymakers and agencies for targeted consultations.
- Translating research findings into state and local policy and practice. Cal-IHEA produces various translational research products, including evidence briefings and policy briefs, to advance the adoption of evidence-based health policy. A current project with UC Merced and UC Riverside involves partnering with local community stakeholders to address local health needs and concerns.
Cal-IHEA’s plans include expanding its membership to additional UC campuses and engaging with community partners to lay the groundwork for local studies.
“Drawing from the diverse expertise of the University of California system, Cal-IHEA is optimally positioned to make a real difference in the lives of millions of Californians through sound, effective policy, backed by evidence-based research,” Payán said.
