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,
Thank you for being unwavering and clear about TCE’s purpose. Thank you for always listening and learning and dreaming about what could be.
Forever grateful,
- Mia Bolton

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

Dr. Ross,
Best wishes on your journey. Thank you for everything!
-SAJE

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, Dr. Ross, for all the love you have given to this world. You have paved the way to continue making change.
- Veronica

Bob -
With huge appreciation for an example of excellence, humility, and grace.
Best wishes.

Dear Bob,
Well done, good and faithful servant! Remember: you don’t get to retire from Saint Marks - ever.
- Carri

Bob -
I love you and always will. Now come and join my board!
- Kim Lewis

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 -
Wishing you abundance in this next chapter! Thank you for your infinite sacrifices for justice.
- Sonya Diaz

Thank you for all of the years of big ideas and humble connection.

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

Bob -
“Dr. Ross” - thank you for your leadership, support, and contributions towards health equity and health justice.
With gratitude,
- Ignatius Bau

Dr. Ross!
You are fantastic!

We wish you well wishes.
- Brotherhood Crusade

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

Dr. Ross,
You rock.

Thank you for all your work!
- Olga (FBHC)

Dearest Dr. Ross,
May you be happy in the next phase of your life.
- Susan

Best wishes!
- Melinda Smith and the Helpguide team

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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