PORTLAND, Ore. – Kaiser Permanente Northwest has awarded $500,000 to support Portland area programs that address systemic racism and its accompanying trauma on individuals and communities of color. The investment is part of our commitment to help create a better, more equitable future for our members and communities.
The Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) will receive $250,000 for its Black Leadership Academy, and the Urban League of Portland (ULP) will receive $250,000 to support capacity building for integrated community services and programs. Each grant runs for two years.
These grants build on Kaiser Permanente’s national commitment of $25 million announced last year to promote health equity and break the cycle of racism-driven stresses that lead to poor health outcomes. Locally, Kaiser Permanente Northwest invested in Black-owned businesses and nonprofits including rapid response grants, business loans, and professional development to strengthen minority owned businesses in the wake of COVID-19.
"These grants are a tangible extension of Kaiser Permanente’s steadfast commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as we work together to support our Northwest communities of color, said Jeff Collins, President Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest.“ We know that economic stability plays a major role in health and wellness. And these grants will foster professional development to build a new generation of leaders who will focus on racial justice and move us forward."
Imagine Black Futures Training Program
Imagine Black Futures (formerly known as Portland African America Leadership Forum) will facilitate the African American Leadership Academy, which provides a framework to build a group of transformative Black leaders. The training program addresses personal, cultural, civic and professional needs of emerging Black leaders in Portland. Above all else, the program helps foster leaders who hold a lifelong commitment to fighting for racial justice and creating lasting change in their community.
Urban League of Portland
As the need for support in the Black community grows, the Urban League of Portland is working to expand the way it serves the community. Expansion will focus on how the community is served from a higher volume of short-term and crisis resolution services to longer-term cohort-based wraparound services focused on long-term stability and resilience. Programs include a blend of direct services, organizing, outreach, and advocacy to help eliminate systemic barriers and address personal barriers in an environment free from judgment and stigma.
About Kaiser Permanente
For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.