Community Outreach Assistance for Children’s Health – COACH for Kids and Their Families®

More than a half million children in Los Angeles County live in poverty, with 25 percent of those being homeless. For most, access to quality healthcare is severely limited not only because uninsured families have little money for doctor visits but because limited transportation, language difficulties and even cultural issues create additional barriers.

Created by the Douglas Foundation, COACH for Kids® collaborates with more than 200 public and private community organizations to bring no-cost, quality healthcare services to low-income youngsters. Staffed by Cedars-Sinai professionals, large, fully equipped mobile units - "medical clinics on wheels" - visit economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Los Angeles County on a regularly scheduled basis. Preventive care, such as immunizations and screenings, are available in addition to diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses.

Through this network, COACH and its partners help families make long-term lifestyle changes to promote better environments for children to grow and reach their full potential. Counseling, parenting education classes, parent support groups, mental health and youth services are provided, as are referrals for housing and job training and placement.

To date, COACH for Kids® has provided more than 225,000 patient visits to over 90,000 children and their families. In providing primary healthcare services to some of Los Angeles County's neediest populations, the program has led to healthier children, families and communities.

More information can be found at http://www.csmc.edu/3591.html.