Irvine, CA (February 10, 2022) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Office of Population Health and Equity (OPHE) has contracted with Orange County United Way to administer and distribute $14.1 million of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Equity grant.
Through a collaborative approach, Orange County United Way will carry out the Community Partner Engagement aspect of the CDC Health Equity grant, also referred to as the Equity in OC Initiative, as well as administering the various funding opportunities.
The Equity in OC Initiative is a community-informed and data-driven initiative to address health inequities and disparities in Orange County by laying the foundation for creating a healthier, more resilient, and equitable Orange County.
The Equity in OC Initiative’s goal is to achieve health equity for all Orange County residents and aims to be transformative; bringing together a cross-sector of stakeholders, organizations, and community members; and addressing the social conditions that impact health outcomes and the health system.
“It is our collective responsibility to do everything possible to fight for health equity, access and wellness for the diverse communities in Orange County,” said Susan B. Parks, president, and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Working together through transformative initiatives like the Equity in OC Initiative, we can help identify solutions to achieve health equity and eliminate racial and ethnic barriers and disparities.”
Community members and organizations are invited to get involved by helping identify health inequities in our community and working to develop sustainable solutions by joining the Equity in OC Initiative. For more information, visit the Equity in OC Initiative website at www.EquityinOC.com.
Grant funds will be dispersed over the next two years to community members and organizations committed to removing disparities for underserved multicultural communities and improving lives for all in Orange County.
Applications for the first year of funding will be accepted beginning Friday, February 11th by Orange County United Way for the following funding opportunities:
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Category 1 – Community Participation Grants
- Community Members Participation: The HCA has committed $220,000 ($110,000 per year) in engaging community members with lived experiences of inequities through the participation of the Equity in OC Taskforce.
Grant funding will support up to 78 eligible community members with an honorarium of up to $1,400 per year to participate in the Equity in OC Taskforce.To learn about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply visit UnitedWayOC.org/EquityOC.
- Community Organizational Participation: The HCA has committed $3.2 million ($1.6 million per year) to provide grants of $10,000 per year to 160 nonprofit organizations that will participate in the Equity in OC Taskforce.To learn about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply visit UnitedWayOC.org/EquityOC.
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Category 2 – Population Health Equity Collective Grants
The HCA has committed $2.4 million ($1.2 million per year) to building the capacity of Population Collectives. These Collectives will address the needs of six targeted and prioritized populations. To be eligible for funding, a Collective must include five or more organizations that meet certain criteria.A Bidder’s Conference will be hosted via Zoom on Thursday,
February 17th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.To learn more and register, go to UnitedWayOC.org/EquityOC.
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Category 3 – Underserved/Underrepresented Grants
The HCA has committed $1.08 million ($540,000 per year) to provide COVID-19 related services including mitigation and recovery support to underserved and underrepresented communities, among other services. Those seeking to strengthen their internal capacity to improve the health equity of their respective communities in Orange County are encouraged to apply. This funding is specifically looking for organizations to serve the American Indian and Alaskan Native community; Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community; and the Transgender and Gender Nonconforming community.A Bidder’s Conference will be hosted via Zoom on Thursday, February 17th from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
To learn more and register, go to UnitedWayOC.org/EquityOC.
Review of submitted proposals and approval of funding decisions will be completed by an independent panel of reviewers. To learn more about the prioritized populations, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and grantee expectations for these funding opportunities, visit UnitedWayOC.org/EquityOC.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is committed to leading the fight for equity by removing barriers, closing gaps, and leveling the playing field for everyone who lives here. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 programs countywide to improve lives in our community. Every day we are doing more for the Education, Health, Housing, and Financial Stability of people in Orange County. We are working to ensure our students succeed, our struggling families gain financial security, and our homeless neighbors find a place to call home. To learn more or discover how you can help, visit www.unitedwayoc.org
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, [email protected] or (949) 525-7024
