Health4All
The #Health4All campaign envisions a California where everyone, regardless of immigration status, belongs in our health system and has access to healthcare. While we celebrate our progress to date, la lucha sigue!
BHC introduced a broadened understanding of health equity into the mainstream of policy debate and public consciousness. A striking example of this shift can be seen in the evolution of California’s public policy providing health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, or ACA.
When the federal legislation passed in 2010, TCE focused on ensuring that all Californians had health coverage. The foundation launched statewide efforts supported by a special board-authorized fund, and the 14 BHC communities prioritized this work. While universal coverage seemed an impossible goal when TCE first launched its “Health4All” campaign, public sentiment and policymakers’ commitment moved in the same direction in a remarkably short time.
TCE used a communications campaign strategy to help ensure that people signed up in California. Given BHC’s focus on health equity for the most marginalized populations, changing the way people thought about undocumented immigrants was crucial.
Communications using the branding #Health4All focused on how essential immigrants are to California’s future. TCE engaged a wide range of partners, who in turn reached into their neighborhoods, knocking on thousands of doors to talk to Spanish-speaking and low-income residents about the importance of healthcare enrollment.
California’s ACA enrollment numbers and percentages rapidly became the highest in the nation. Four million individuals became newly insured in California, many of them undocumented.
Intensive enrollment efforts were followed by state policy campaigns to broaden eligibility for coverage. In 2016, California’s legislature voted to cover undocumented children up to age 19, and this was extended to young adults up to age 26 in 2019. Each step brought universal coverage closer to reality.
TCE, the 14 BHC communities, and statewide partners are credited with unrelenting persistence in moving toward this goal. The #Health4All campaign is widely perceived to have had enormous impact.
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Californians Enrolled Since ACA and Health4All Efforts: -
36M
Covered -
1.9M
Uninsured -
520K
Uninsured and ineligible
“Investing in and observing the work of community organizers is truly fuel for optimism. Our partners and community leaders have demonstrated that grantees are the architects of a reimagined health destiny.”
DR. ROBERT K. ROSS President & CEO, The California Endowment
Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross
Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years
Youth Awards 37 total awards given
Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016
Farmworker Health $50M initiative
TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded
Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA
Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board
Childhood Obesity & Freshworks $272M to expand access to fresh and healthy foods in low-income communities
CHIS 20,000 households interviewed annually to find health gaps in CA
Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs
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 125,000+ use our facilities every year
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
Miyihah-Tlakilte Dr. Ross -
On behalf of Anawakalmekak and the Gabrielino shoshone nation. Much love on your journey.
Thank you for your leadership and keeping justice at the center of LA philanthropy!
Mil gracias from planned parenthood! We love you!
All the blessings in the world for your much deserved retirement. Thank you for your commitment to equity.
- Pico California
The force is strong in our family.
- D. Wash
Bob:
Thanks for 24 years of service to TCE and all Californians! Enjoy your new adventures!
Love you my brother! My homeboy. Wish you all the joy & happiness.
- Hector V. (Homeboy Industries)
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you all of the joy and relaxation you well deserve. Thank you for everything!
- Alyric Bell (UNITE-LA)
Dr. Ross,
Deep gratitude for your leadership and commitment to equity and justice.
Congratulations Dr. Ross (aka 007) on 24 years of making a change in CA’s future.
Best,
- Dolores Estrada
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)
Love you brother!
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
Wishing you well in all things, Bob. Preach on!
- John F.
Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl
Dear Bob,
I have learned and grown so much during my time at TCE and with you. Thank you for everything.
- Karthik
Wishing you an abundance of love, harmony, health, and happiness.
A tu salud! Con cariño y respeto.
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