LA County Steps Up as a Safety Net for Latinx, Black, And Other Vulnerable Communities Hit Hard by COVID-19
With Latinx and Black residents disproportionately affected by the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, MLK OPC CEO Yolanda Vera, and community partners shared information to local media outlets on Friday, August 7, 2020 about how Los Angeles County has ramped up efforts to serve as the safety net for particularly vulnerable communities in South and Southeast LA – regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
LA County has partnered with the private sector to provide additional services that are particularly critical to Latinx, Black and other communities of color disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including:
- 10,000 free care kits and other helpful items, donated by United Healthcare at the MLK Outpatient Center
- 100,000 N-95 masks donated by Moldex, of which 10,000 will go to healthcare workers and clients at the MLK Medical Campus, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, and the Watts Community Latino Organization
- Mobile-based health screenings, education and prevention services at the MLK Community Hospital in coordination with the walk-up testing site
- Free food, donated by the LA Food Bank and other nonprofits, at various sites countywide
