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
  • CHIS
  • 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,
Best wishes on your journey. Thank you for everything!
-SAJE

Bob,
We can’t thank you enough. Our wish is that you take some time to do what you want to do.
You’ve done so much for others. It’s time to DO YOU!
God bless,
- Steve & Jenn

You inspired me to keep endeavoring in education even when it's hard. Thank you.

Dr. Ross,
I hope this next chapter fills you up as you get to witness the work and people you have nurtured for all these years.

Dr. Ross -
Thank you for all you’ve done for the community and have an amazing retirement!

Dr. Ross! Congrats on your transition. I am grateful for the opportunity to have grown up with your support. You inspired me to chase my dreams.
- Corleone (BMoC)

Congratulations Dr. Ross (aka 007) on 24 years of making a change in CA’s future.
Best,
- Dolores Estrada

Best wishes for the next act!
- Joel

Wishing you health and happiness in your well deserved retirement.

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

Thank you for all the great work bringing health and wellness to California.
- Alan Pullman

Congratulations on a long and impactful career! Best wishes for your next stage of life!
Best,
- Amy
POWER

Bob,
We wish you good health, adventure, and lots of love in your life’s journey.
- Julie & Pete Brown

Blessed to be a part of your celebration and life, Bob!

Thank you for your guidance and leadership!

You are an inspiration! Thank you for everything.
- Ted

Thank you, Bob! THis Center for Strategic Partnership thrives because you helped nurture the value of partnerships. I will be forever grateful to you and for you. Plus I love that you are not shy about spirituality.

Dr. Ross,
Thank you very much for all your efforts. You’ve planted many seeds and tended greatly to your community. I’m immensely grateful for your work. Take a moment to appreciate yourself. Thank you!

Thanks for everything!!! Best of luck!

Dearest Bob,
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to work with you! An honor and a privilege.
Love always.

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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