The mobile clinics provide school-required immunizations, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), at no cost. The program is aimed at helping families in underserved communities, where families can face barriers to preventive care.

“Preparing for a successful school year starts with protecting children’s health,” said Arthur Cho, MD, medical director of COACH for Kids. “Our Back-to-School immunization campaign brings recommended vaccines directly into the communities we serve, making it easier for families to get their children ready for the classroom.”

COACH for Kids delivers free medical services to children from birth through age 18 in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles.

COACH for Kids Mobile Medical Unit August Calendar

All clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are closed from noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Charles Drew Middle School
8511 Compton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Edison Middle School
6500 Hooper Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Thursday, Aug. 13
Audubon Middle School
4120 11th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90008

Monday, Aug. 17
Gompers Middle School
234 E. 112th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90061

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Miramonte Elementary School
1400 E. 68th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Wednesday, Aug. 19
Parmelee Avenue Elementary School
1338 E. 76th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Thursday, Aug. 20
Alliance Virgil Roberts Leadership Academy & Alliance Renee and Meyer Luskin Academy High School
2941 W. 70th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90043

Monday, Aug. 24
74^th Street Elementary School
2112 W. 74th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90047

Tuesday, Aug. 25
93rd Street Elementary School
330 E. 93rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90003

Wednesday, Aug. 26
Raymond Avenue Elementary School
7511 Raymond Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90044

Thursday, Aug. 27
99th Street Elementary School
9900 Wadsworth Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90002

Monday, Aug. 31
Nevin Avenue Elementary School
1569 E. 32nd St.
Los Angeles, 90011

MEDIA CONTACT

Media interested in attending a COACH for Kids clinic must coordinate in advance with Cedars-Sinai External Communications. Please contact: Melissa Vizcarra | melissa.vizcarra@cshs.org | 719-502-5001

The “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” designation from the 2026 Disability Index recognizes organizations for workplace policies and practices that support disability inclusion, while the “Healthcare Equality Index” label from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate a commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ patients, visitors and employees.

“These recognitions reflect our commitment to ensuring our people and our communities experience Cedars-Sinai in a way that aligns with our values and our mission,” said Nicole Mitchell, chief diversity, inclusion and wellbeing officer at Cedars-Sinai. “We are proud to once again be recognized but also recognize that this work is never finished.”

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Mitchell about what these recognitions mean and how inclusion continues to shape the organization's culture, workplace and patient care.

What do these recognitions represent for Cedars-Sinai?

These recognitions are meaningful because they reflect years of intentional work and accountability. They are not about receiving an award or checking a box. Instead, they are an external reflection of our commitment to creating an environment where people feel seen, supported and able to thrive.

More importantly, they reinforce our commitment to ensuring our people and our communities experience Cedars-Sinai in a way that aligns with our values and our mission to elevate the health status of the communities we serve. When people experience belonging, trust and inclusion, it strengthens our culture and helps us deliver the exceptional care that is at the heart of our mission.

How do inclusion and accessibility affect Cedars-Sinai's commitment to providing the highest level of patient care?

At Cedars-Sinai, inclusion is not separate from our mission. It is connected to how we care for patients, support our workforce and engage with our communities.

This work is reflected in everything from leadership development and employee education to accessibility initiatives and the everyday interactions people have across our organization. It also includes programs and resources that help our employees build community and help our caregivers provide more inclusive, affirming care. Ultimately, it's about creating environments where people can fully participate and where their lived experiences are valued and respected.

While these recognitions acknowledge important progress, what matters most is the experience people have every day when they walk through our doors—whether as patients, family members, employees, physicians, learners or community members.

What are some examples of how these values are reflected in the experiences of our patients, workforce and community?

For patients and families, inclusive care helps build trust, strengthen communication and create meaningful partnerships in healthcare decisions. When people feel heard, respected and understood, they are more empowered to participate in their care. That commitment is reflected in ongoing efforts to create welcoming, affirming care experiences, provide education that equips caregivers to meet the diverse needs of patients, and foster an environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

For our workforce, belonging means creating a culture where employees can contribute fully, share different perspectives and feel supported in doing their best work. Employee resource groups—including Supporting Purposeful Accessibility, Community and Equity [SPACE] and Pride, Respect, Inclusivity, Solidarity and Meaningful Support [PRISMS]—play an important role in building community, elevating lived experiences and helping us better understand the needs of employees with apparent and non-apparent disabilities, LGBTQIA+ employees, and allies.

We know this work is a team effort. Inclusion cannot live within one office or one department. It must be reflected in our systems, our decisions and our daily practices across the organization.

How does Cedars-Sinai ensure that inclusion remains part of our culture and daily operations?

One of the strengths of our Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing is that we approach this work every day through both a strategic and human lens.

The frameworks provided through the Disability Index and Healthcare Equality Index help us measure progress and identify opportunities to continue growing. But lasting change happens when inclusion becomes part of how we lead, collaborate, make decisions and care for one another every day.

We remain focused on strengthening education, creating opportunities for connection and belonging, increasing accessibility, and embedding inclusive practices into how we show up for our patients and one another. Our goal is not simply to achieve or maintain recognition. It is to continue building an environment where people feel they belong because inclusion is part of who we are as an organization.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Residency Programs Move Toward Greater Diversity

Healthcare in Action, a member organization of the SCAN Group, delivers medical, behavioral and social services to people in California who are experiencing homelessness through a street-based model of care. Healthcare in Action care professionals follow individual patients after they leave the hospital, helping ensure continued care and support toward long-term health and stability.

The partnership aligns with Cedars-Sinai’s mission to improve community health and address the root causes of homelessness.

“Cedars-Sinai has long been committed to addressing health disparities that affect marginalized people across Los Angeles,” said Jonathan Schreiber, vice president of Community Engagement at Cedars-Sinai. “Healthcare in Action is a trusted partner in delivering high-quality care to the unhoused, and their work reflects our belief that healthcare should go beyond the walls of our hospital, so that after someone leaves, care remains accessible wherever they are.”

Delivering care to unhoused patients is demanding work, but one aspect has become more efficient thanks to streamlined digital access: As part of the collaboration, Healthcare in Action’s medical providers have access to CS-Link, Cedars-Sinai’s secure electronic medical records system powered by Epic software.

Those experiencing homelessness often lack relationships with healthcare providers, which can lead to challenges accessing care, as well as fragmented care. Access to a patient’s medical records helps ensure Healthcare in Action providers have the information they need to continue to follow up with unhoused patients treated at Cedars-Sinai. 

“Providing Healthcare in Action’s care team with access to CS-Link helps ensure continuity of care for unhoused patients,” said Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, senior vice president and chief information officer at Cedars-Sinai. “When a street team provider can view care notes, medication lists and follow-up needs, it helps patients avoid gaps in care and supports smoother, more coordinated services.”

Although homelessness in L.A. County has declined for the second consecutive year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported in its 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count that more than 72,000 people remain unhoused.

“Healthcare in Action’s work is essential in ensuring our most vulnerable patients aren’t left behind once they leave the hospital,” said Katie Hren, LCSW, MPH, director of the Community Connect Program at Cedars-Sinai. “Our community health workers and navigators address patients’ social needs during their hospital stay and transition home, while Healthcare in Action provides continued care in the community—delivering ongoing care to patients wherever they are. They also help them find stable housing, which is essential for recovery because it allows patients to heal in a safe environment, free of hunger and exposure.”

Sonali Saluja, MD, MPH, medical director, Quality and Population Health at Healthcare in Action, said of the collaboration: “Healthcare in Action is honored to partner with Cedars-Sinai to create a safe, consistent pathway for unhoused patients transitioning from the ER in Los Angeles. Leveraging Epic’s powerful technology, this collaboration ensures we can provide comprehensive and continuous care with the goal of preventing instability and advancing a more humane, equitable model of health for our most vulnerable community members.”

Cedars-Sinai’s work with Healthcare in Action is multifaceted: In addition to its partnership, the medical center also provides grant funding to help Healthcare in Action expand its services and coverage area. Recent funding helped the organization purchase additional vans for its street medicine team.

Bolstered by a robust community benefit strategy, Cedars-Sinai has donated $134 million in grants over the past five years to address health challenges throughout Los Angeles. Approximately 40% of these grants have addressed homelessness and housing insecurity—key drivers of poor health.

“Healthcare in Action is a wonderful partner for Cedars-Sinai, our patients and the entire community,” Schreiber said. “Homelessness is a persistent health challenge for our city. Together, we’re helping people improve their health, recovery and long-term stability.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Supporting Homeless Patients in the Emergency Room

That’s where Cedars-Sinai’s community health workers (CHWs) step in.  

“Our team meets patients where they are—literally and figuratively—and helps them navigate care as whole people, not just patients,” said Katie Hren, LCSW, MPH, director of the Community Connect Program at Cedars-Sinai. “Many of the patients we work with need more than medicine. They also may need assistance finding safe housing, accessing healthy food, arranging transportation to appointments or applying for benefits that support their daily lives.”

According to the National Association of Community Health Workers, interventions led by a community health specialist have been shown to reduce emergency department visits by up to 38% and hospitalizations by 30%—underscoring their positive impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Hren to learn how CHWs support patients beyond the hospital and why their role is becoming more essential than ever.

What is a community health worker?

A community health worker is a frontline public health professional who helps patients navigate healthcare and community resources. They often come from the same neighborhoods they serve, giving them insight into the cultural, social and practical challenges patients face.

Unlike most hospital professionals, CHWs continue working with patients after discharge. They connect patients to services such as meal delivery, transportation or caregivers, and follow up to ensure referrals and treatment plans are completed.

Who benefits most from CHWs?

CHWs focus on patients at higher risk of falling through the cracks. That might include someone discharged without stable housing, an older adult who no longer drives, or a family juggling chronic illness, child care and work while also needing access to food or benefits. These are patients who need more than clinical care, and CHWs help them connect to the right resources.

How do CHWs differ from other providers?

CHWs complement the work of nurses, social workers and case managers. While those providers focus on medical care, psychosocial support or discharge planning, CHWs specialize in navigating social barriers—such as housing, food and transportation—that affect health outcomes.

What does a typical day look like?

No two days are the same for a community health worker. They might start by rounding with clinical teams, meeting patients at the bedside before discharge, or following up by phone to make sure resources are in place.

Much of their work happens in the community—meeting patients at home, attending appointments with them or even sitting together in a coffee shop to complete applications for public benefits. CHWs also collaborate with external partners, such as Healthcare in Action, which provides street medicine to people experiencing homelessness. They may refer patients to these programs while continuing to help with longer-term needs like housing or benefits.

How do patients connect with CHWs?

At Cedars-Sinai, patients are referred by their care team—usually a physician, nurse or social worker. The community health specialist then proactively reaches out to build trust and begin support.

What results have you seen?

Cedars-Sinai’s program has shown measurable results. Patients who work with CHWs are more likely to attend follow-up and primary care visits, less likely to use the emergency department unnecessarily, and they report higher satisfaction with their overall care.

Providers also benefit, noting that CHWs allow them to focus on more complex medical issues. Patients frequently share that they feel less alone and more confident navigating the healthcare system thanks to the support and education CHWs provide.

To expand this impact, Cedars-Sinai launched CS Community Resource, an online portal that connects patients and community members with free or low-cost health and social service programs.

What does the future look like for CHWs?

The role of CHWs is more essential than ever. I see their integration into healthcare continuing to expand, not just at Cedars-Sinai but across the country. As healthcare shifts toward whole-person care, CHWs bring skills and connections that can’t be replicated by other providers.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Inspiring Community Health By Meeting Patients’ Needs

From vaccines like DTaP and MMR to full physical exams, COACH for Kids brings Cedars-Sinai care to local schools and community centers.

“These vaccines protect against childhood preventable illnesses—measles, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis,” said Arthur Cho, MD, medical director of COACH for Kids and director of the Pediatric Hospitalist Program at Guerin Children's. “In the past, we saw high rates of these infections. Today, because of vaccines, we rarely see them. When children aren’t vaccinated, they’re at greater risk of getting sick, ending up in the hospital, or even worse.”

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Cho and COACH for Kids nurse practitioner Anne Traynor, RN, about why vaccinations are critical, how the mobile unit is improving families’ health and access to care, and what families need to bring to the clinic to get their children vaccinated.

What vaccines are required for school entry?

Traynor: Kids entering transitional kindergarten need boosters for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio. This includes the DTaP vaccine—given to younger children—which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Older children, especially 11-year-olds and teens, receive the Tdap booster, which offers continued protection against the same three illnesses but in a smaller dose appropriate for adolescents and adults. It’s not just one age group; we’re vaccinating children from birth through age 18.

What’s your message for parents who are hesitant about vaccines?

Cho: I understand the concerns. But we’ve studied these vaccines for decades. Side effects are generally mild—fever or some swelling—but the alternative is far worse. These diseases still exist and can be deadly. Getting vaccinated protects your child and others in the community.

The consequences can be severe. Take measles as an example. We used to have 500,000 cases and hundreds of deaths annually in the U.S. before the vaccine. Though measles was declared eradicated here in 2000, recent vaccine hesitancy has led to outbreaks again. Measles can cause serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis and even death.

What challenges do families face when their children need vaccination?

Traynor: Access is the biggest issue. Even with Medi-Cal, parents may struggle to get an appointment, lack transportation, or be unable to take time off work. That’s where COACH comes in—we meet them where they are. We come to you, and we go to schools and WIC centers. (Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program.)

Cho: We serve dozens of schools and community sites, especially in South L.A., bringing primary care and vaccines into neighborhoods. It’s our mission to make healthcare accessible. Many families are working hard and can’t make it to a traditional clinic—we bring the clinic to them.

We’re here to serve, without judgment. We want to make sure children are safe and healthy enough to return to school.

How long will COACH offer back-to-school vaccinations?

Traynor: We’re out in the community throughout August and beyond. We provide everything a regular clinic does, but we’re in their neighborhood. There’s no copay, and we help families connect to a regular clinic for long-term care.

We ask that parents bring their child’s immunization record if they have it. If not, you can often find it in the California Immunization Registry or access it through their school or prior clinic.

COACH for Kids Mobile Medical Clinic—August 2025 Schedule

All clinics open from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., unless noted. Closed daily from 12–1 p.m.

• Thursday, Aug. 14—Audubon Middle School, 4120 11th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
• Monday, Aug. 18—Alliance Virgil Roberts Leadership Academy & Luskin Academy HS, 2941 W. 70th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043
• Tuesday, Aug. 19—Normandie Avenue Elementary School, 4505 S. Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037
• Wednesday, Aug. 20—6th Avenue Elementary School, 3109 6th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90018
• Thursday, Aug. 21 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)—Northgate Gonzalez Market, 944 E. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011
• Monday, Aug. 25—WIC Manchester, 250 E. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Tuesday, Aug. 26—WIC Florence, 501 E. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Wednesday, Aug. 27—Raymond Avenue Elementary, 7511 Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
• Thursday, Aug. 28—Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001

For more information about COACH for Kids or to find the nearest clinic location, visit Cedars-Sinai.org or call the COACH for Kids hotline at 888-926-2249.

Read more in the Cedars-Sinai Magazine: Underserved Communities Have a COACH in Their Corner

Since 2020, the medical center has allocated $6.8 million to 20 nonprofits working to improve prenatal and postpartum outcomes for Black families. The bulk of the funding was issued under Cedars-Sinai’s Black Birth Equity Initiative, established in 2023.

In 2025, the medical center awarded its second round of funding under the initiative. Thirteen nonprofits received the most recent grants, totaling $2 million.

The  initiative has supported the following grantees:

• Black Women for Wellness
• Breastfeed LA
• California Black Women’s Health Project
• California Coalition for Black Birth Justice
• Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence
• Didi Hirsch
• Eisner Health
• Frontline Doulas
• LA Partnership for Early Childhood Investment (LA County Doula Hub)
• March of Dimes
• Mighty Little Giants
• MLK Community Healthcare
• Maternal Mental Health NOW
• Narrative Nation Inc. (Irth App)
• Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
• Saban Community Clinic
• St. John’s Community Health
• To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers (T.H.E. Clinic)
• Venice Family Clinic
• Watts Healthcare Corporation

The funding has resulted in an increase in first trimester prenatal visit rates, more widespread utilization of doula and midwife services, expanded birth worker professional development, and broader health education and public awareness campaigns. These efforts also clear the way for new opportunities for those nonprofits, including access to public funding sources and fellowship programs.

Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die or become seriously ill from pregnancy-related complications, compared to white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Black Birth Equity Initiative aligns with Cedars-Sinai’s mission to care for patients across the region. Through its vital work, the medical center aims to help lower mortality rates linked to childbirth and provide mandatory anti-discrimination education to medical staff.

“At Cedars-Sinai, we’re committed to providing excellent, equitable care to every patient who walks through our doors,” said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer for Cedars-Sinai. “But advancing birth equity also means doing our part in the community—working to remove barriers and support solutions. Through our birth equity grantmaking, we aim to uplift efforts that build trust, improve outcomes and ensure every birthing person is heard and respected.”

Cedars-Sinai is among the largest private funders of Black Birth Equity programs in L.A. County, with the initiative strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits that assist expectant mothers and their families, from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

In May 2025, the medical center hosted its first Black Birth Equity Grantee Convening in South L.A. The convening celebrated the collective impact of the shared mission and served as a forum to discuss future work in the Black birthing space.

“These outstanding nonprofits have deep ties to their communities, and their work will lead to the best outcomes for birthing families across Los Angeles,” said Tshema Nash, DrPH, MPH, who leads the initiative as program officer in the Community Benefit Giving Office. “The proof is undeniable: birthing people who turn to these nonprofits for meaningful support have positive birthing experiences, and are met with compassion and high quality care for themselves and their children.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Working to Improve Black Maternal Health

“As we continue to address the gaps in access and visibility across the healthcare workforce, it’s essential to create experiences where students can explore what’s possible,” said Nicole Mitchell, Cedars-Sinai's chief  diversity and inclusion officer. “When young people are able to engage directly—see it, feel it, connect with professionals who share their lived experiences—it shapes what they believe is attainable. For me, it’s all about opening doors early and planting the seed of possibility for the next generation of healthcare heroes.”

The summit featured interactive stations, offering students a chance to experience real-world medical scenarios. Throughout the day, participants explored various aspects of clinical care and medical research, including hands-on demonstrations in anesthesiology, artificial intelligence (AI), and a simulated ambulance experience called a Simbulance.

Additional stations showcased CPR skills, gastroenterology, imaging, OB-GYN, respiratory therapy, germ identification using black light technology, and some of the on-site mentors and participants who shared career insights.

A Community Effort to Strengthen Representation in Medicine

“Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest employers in Los Angeles County,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai. “That comes with a responsibility not only to provide exceptional healthcare, but also to support the overall wellbeing of our community. Education plays a critical role in that. Introducing talented young people to careers in medicine and healthcare aligns perfectly with our mission and is something we’re proud to support.”

The youth summits are held in major U.S. cities in partnership with medical schools and health organizations. The Los Angeles event included representatives from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, UNITE-LA, Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University and Cedars-Sinai Chuck Lorre Allied Health School.

For many students, the event was an eye-opening experience that reinforced their aspirations in healthcare.

“I feel like the medical field is really underrepresented in my community,” said Brandon Parrott, a University of La Verne student interested in anesthesiology or dentistry. “When I go to the hospital, I don’t see many Black doctors or nurses. I think it’s important that we start filling those roles—to help future patients feel seen, understood and comfortable.”

The Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit is part of a larger movement to reverse the decline in Black men applying to medical school and to build more inclusive, accessible pathways into healthcare careers.

“I always say, my white coat just happens to represent medicine, but your white coat might look different,” said Dale Okorodudu, MD, founder of Black Men in White Coats. “Our mission is to ignite a sense of purpose in young people—to let them know they’re built for greatness and don’t need anyone’s permission to achieve it.”

Read more in Cedars-Sinai’s Discoveries Magazine: A Call for Change | Equity and Patient-Centered Care

The medical center has issued more than $250,000 in emergency grants to nonprofit organizations assisting residents, workers and business owners affected by the disaster, as well as supporting first responders on the front lines.

Nine organizations so far have received grants, with amounts ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, to help address the community’s relief and recovery efforts.

“Whether it’s direct aid or volunteer efforts, Cedars-Sinai will continue to leverage all of its resources to help rebuild and strengthen our community,” said Erin Jackson-Ward, DrPH, executive director of Grantmaking and Social Impact at Cedars-Sinai. “So many of our community members are facing tremendous loss and uncertainty, and we feel a deep responsibility to support our beloved city during this challenging time." 

Among the causes receiving grants are the Los Angeles Fire Department Wildfire Emergency Fund, United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund, the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.

The Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Food Access Los Angeles, Inclusive Action for the City, the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California Essential Workers Fund and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Community Response Fund also received grants to help pay for immediate response needs. Funding to the YMCA, for example, will help provide free daycare for children of first responders, essential workers and displaced or evacuated families. Other grants are focused on providing mental health services to those impacted as well as direct assistance to low-income workers and those displaced by the fires.

Cedars-Sinai also is making in-kind donations, including its distribution of more than 13,000 N95 masks and the issuance of personal protective equipment, such as goggles, respirators and coveralls. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai is focused on offering resources and support to its employees across the health system through the Emergency Employee Fire Relief Fund.

“We recognize that the road to recovery will be long, but Cedars-Sinai is committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Los Angeles,” said Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, senior vice president of Advancement and chief advancement officer for Cedars-Sinai. “As Angelenos grapple with the aftermath of these devastating wildfires, we want the message from our institution to be clear: we are in this together, and we will emerge from this crisis stronger than before.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Faces of Cedars-Sinai—Erin Jackson-Ward, Grantmaker and Community Builder