LA County Leaders Launch Foundation to Protect Public Health Amid Spending Cuts

New privately funded group aims to maintain critical services as county faces nearly $50 million in budget reductions

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:03am

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A minimalist design featuring a glowing neon outline of a medical syringe or other health-related equipment, capturing the active energy and importance of public health infrastructure.A new public-private partnership aims to safeguard essential health services for all Los Angeles County residents.Los Angeles Today

Amid nearly $50 million in spending reductions for public health, Los Angeles leaders have announced the creation of a privately funded foundation called The Fund for Advancing Public Health LA. The organization will work to create new revenue sources and ensure the county can continue serving all residents, regardless of immigration status, income, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Why it matters

The reduction in public health funding at the federal, state and local level has resulted in the closure of seven public health clinics, which have impacted the county's most marginalized communities. This new foundation aims to protect critical public health services like disease prevention, health promotion, environmental health, and emergency response.

The details

The not-for-profit foundation will be overseen by a nine-member board of directors that includes the director of the county Department of Public Health, as well as leaders from organizations like the American Red Cross, Blue Shield California, the LA Dodgers, and Community Organized Relief Effort. The group plans to work hand-in-hand with community-based organizations, advocates, healthcare leaders, and other sectors to support these vital public health efforts.

  • The inaugural board meeting was held on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Barbara Ferrer

Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The Fund for Advancing Public Health LA

A newly created privately funded foundation aimed at protecting public health services in Los Angeles County amid budget cuts.

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What they’re saying

“This foundation is designed to work hand-in-hand with community- based organizations, advocates, healthcare leaders, and other sectors because lasting change happens when we come together with a shared purpose.”

— Barbara Ferrer, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

“Public private partnerships are essential to advancing health equity. They allow us to move faster, be more flexible, and support communities in ways that traditional systems alone often cannot.”

— Saree Kayne, CEO and President, R&S Kanye Foundation

What’s next

The foundation plans to hold regular board meetings and work closely with community partners to identify and fund critical public health initiatives across Los Angeles County.

The takeaway

This new foundation represents a collaborative effort to protect vital public health services for all LA County residents, even as the county faces significant budget cuts. By bringing together government, philanthropy, and community organizations, the group aims to find innovative ways to maintain and expand access to disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response programs.