The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative (CVJC) has announced the launch of a health equity reporting initiative.

Created in partnership with the California Health Care Foundation and supported by the James B. McClatchy Foundation, CVJC’s Health Equity Reporting Lab aims to inform communities about broad statewide healthcare issues, such as the expansion of Medi-Cal to all California residents, whole-person health information data exchanges linking providers and government agencies through CalAIM, and new approaches to reach the most vulnerable communities in the Central Valley. To help staff the Health Equity desk, CVJC has added Vivienne Aguilar and Marijke Rowland, experienced journalists who will focus on the Modesto and Stockton communities.

“Consistently, the Central Valley counties are on the tail end of the state’s health outcomes. Our Health Equity Reporting Lab is committed to shining a light on the health equity challenges and opportunities that Central Valley communities face while empowering residents with the information they need to thrive,” said CVJC executive director Alma Martinez. “This reporting lab is our first step toward expanding Central Valley health-focused stories.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/andresr)