This week, Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) announced nearly $9 million in new grants for helping the state meet pressing health needs. The funds will be directed to supporting community health clinics at a time when public funding is shrinking and a growing number of uninsured Californians depend on their services.

Last year, California’s community clinics suffered over $80 million in state and local budget cuts. At the same time, clinics are reporting a record increase in the number of uninsured patients as a result of high unemployment. Some clinics are reporting a 50 percent increase in the number of uninsured patients.

Over the last six years, BSCF has invested nearly $40 million in over 200 community clinics and their associations across the state of California. These clinics are able to stay open and continue to provide care to Californians in need because of core support from BSCF’s Clinic Initiative.

In addition to direct support for California clinics, BSCF also awarded $100,000 to residents of San Diego for healthcare coverage to develop a San Diego Roadmap to Health Coverage and Care. With the help of the Foundation, the organization will assess the local need for better access to care, identify options for expanding coverage, and develop a plan to strengthen local safety net providers.

Now more than ever, California health care needs core support. I believe the best way to provide an immediate lifeline to vulnerable families is to support California’s community clinics. Support grants can make a critical difference.

View a previously written post by Mouli Cohen about grants