24 Years of Planting Change

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)

CHIS

TCE was an early assertive funder in the UCLA-based California Health Interview Survey; the CHIS data reflect health disparities, informing public/private health policy investments.

CHIS

The California Health Interview Survey stands as a primary source of reliable and thorough data concerning the health and healthcare necessities of California’s expansive and diverse populace.

CHIS aids in pinpointing resources and interventions to where they are most required, thereby enhancing health outcomes for all residents of California.

Annually, CHIS conducts interviews with over 20,000 households covering a broad spectrum of health-related topics. These range from healthcare usage and accessibility, to health conditions and behaviors, as well as various factors influencing health such as public program involvement, housing, income and employment, climate change, food, gun violence, adverse childhood experiences, and much more.

This wealth of information, whether spotlighting the tiniest Northern California town, a sprawling urban hub in Southern California, or statewide trends, can be transformed into narratives that motivate action.

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  • $2.99M

    grant to complete the funding for an unprecedented assessment of the health needs of California
  • 20,000+

    households interviewed every year
  • 6

    languages available to take the survey in
  • 100+

    topics covered in the survey

“The California Health Interview Survey is a critical tool for informing the most important health policy decisions that confront us. It enables us to identify what communities in the state are hardest hit by the burden of preventable health conditions and diseases so we can target resources more efficiently. Moreover, CHIS provides The Endowment with an invaluable tool for measuring progress in our efforts to reduce health disparities among the state's underserved communities.”

DR. ROBERT K. ROSS President & CEO, The California Endowment
  • CHIS
  • CHIS
  • CHIS
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  • CHIS

Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross

Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years

Health4All

Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted

Youth Awards

Youth Awards 37 total awards given

Schools Not Prisons

Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016

Farmworker Health

Farmworker Health $50M initiative

TCE Grant Making 2023

TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded

Parks for All

Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA

Youth on the Board

Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board

Childhood Obesity Freshworks

Childhood Obesity & Freshworks $272M to expand access to fresh and healthy foods in low-income communities

Kids Health Coverage Campaign

Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs

Cultural Competency

Cultural Competency/Health Workforce/PRIME $78.2M to CA organizations working to boost the size and diversity of the state's healthcare workforce

TCE Headquarters

TCE Headquarters 125,000+ use our facilities every year

View All

Wishing Wall

Dr. Ross,
You are an amazing person/soul! Wish you the best retirement!

Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne

Thank you for believing in us and the opportunities your faith in us have afforded so many. We wish tenfold those blessings on you.
- Alf LaMont

Thank you for all that you’ve done! Please enjoy your retirement. You deserve it!
- Martha Dina Arguello & PSR-LA

Dr. Ross,
I love you!! Thank you for being a servant to the people. Lives are better because you came into the world.

Thank you for seeding so much change in the world, Dr. Ross!

Mil gracias from planned parenthood! We love you!

May the force be with you in your new journey!
- Revolve Impact

Dr. Ross,
Well wishes on this next adventure! Enjoy this time!
- Stephanie Ghayouri

The force is strong in our family.
- D. Wash

Wishing you the best and a well deserved rest to enjoy the simple things in life.
Peace,
- Bob Alvarez (Balance PR)

Wishing you health and happiness in your well deserved retirement.

Thank you for doing the true work of a doctor… HEALING! I heard you speak early in my career and was very inspired. Thank you!
- Leslie Johnson (Community Coalition)

My friend -
Thank you for always believing in the work. I hope you get some time to rest and find new horizons (and no stalkers).
With love

Dr. Ross,
I hope you have some amazing adventures planned. Enjoy!
- Andrea Williams (Southside Coalition)

Dearest Bob,
I will forever appreciate how you have welcomed and vouched for me in philanthropy. And there’s still time for you to get us that $5mil!
- Shane

For many years, I have known how special you are! Thanks.

We are forever grateful for your tireless work to make CA a beloved community for all! Si se puede!
With deep appreciation,
- Mayra Alvarez & The Children’s Partnership team

Best wishes!
- Melinda Smith and the Helpguide team

Dr. Ross,
You instilled so much confidence in me by choosing me to be on the board. You truly have no idea about the trajectory my life will go on. Thank you immensely and I wish you all the best.

Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report

The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.

View Report
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