CIN,

We join in the collective outrage over the impending devastating cuts to Medicaid, ACA marketplace coverage, and critical social services including SNAP that will result from the passing of the House Reconciliation Bill. We at the California Improvement Network are unwavering in our collective commitment to lead change, foster resilience, improve care to achieve equity and partnering to support whole-person care for all, especially those communities most impacted. 

We are so proud of the work of this dedicated learning and action network of health care organizations and community-based organizations working tirelessly to advance equitable health care and improved outcomes for all Californians. We continue to grow our network so please forward this along and welcome your colleagues and partners to take part in all the resources CIN has to offer. 

Don’t forget to sign up for our upcoming August Webinar on integrating peer professionals into community-based behavioral health models and check out our latest resources to support you in your equity-centered care improvement efforts.  

In health,

The California Improvement Network Team

REGISTER NOW: Developing a Community-Based Integrated Care Model with Peer Professionals

August 20, 2025 

12-1pm 



In this CIN webinar led by Painted Brain – a peer-led community-based behavioral health provider – participants will learn how Painted Brain has enhanced current services through partnerships with managed care plans as a new Medi-Cal benefit service provider. 

With a vision of Community Mental Health for All, Painted Brain’s model provides critical mental health services to LA County communities through an integrated care model that utilizes Certified Peer Support Specialists. Through development of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification training programs, they have found innovative ways to address the behavioral health worker shortage and integrate the peer support role to enhance client care. 

This workshop is intended for health care leaders, support and administrative staff, medical and allied health care providers, and individuals seeking to better understand alternative care models to increase access to behavioral health in California. 

RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE: A Model for Equity-Centered Quality Improvement 

Webinar recording is now available for our recent CIN webinar that introduced organizations to practical strategies for incorporating equity into the Model for Improvement, leveraging lessons from a DHCS/IHI Child Health Equity Improvement Collaborative. 

Leaders from DHCS and IHI Child Health Equity Improvement Collaborative led participants through an insightful webinar that helped organizational leaders: 

• Understand approaches to address equity in quality improvement projects, particularly within pediatric care. 
• Learn how managed care plans and their partners applied equity-focused QI methods to improve well-child visit rates.  
• Gain inspiration to try new quality improvement approaches within their organization. 

Leading Change and Fostering Resilience

RECENTLY LAUNCHED: Health Equity Policy Hub 

The Health Equity Policy Hub, an initiative from HealthBegins, recently launched its Policy Tracker to monitor executive actions that impact health equity, breaking them down into clear, accessible summaries, ensuring that health care organizations, community leaders, and advocates have the insights they need to respond effectively. 

Alongside their Mobilization Network designed to connect organizational leaders to targeted courses, convening opportunities, and organizing tools, the Health Equity Hub seeks to empower organizations to transform information to action as they continue their work toward health equity.

Improving Care to Achieve Equity



IMPLEMENTATION SPOTLIGHT: Approaches to Designing Equity-Centered Quality Improvement Projects 

The California Quality Collaborative recently published an Implementation Spotlight to highlight effective approaches to equity-centered quality improvement project design that addresses disparities and advances equitable health care. 

This spotlight centers on the work of the Equity and Quality at Independent Practices in Los Angeles County (EQuIP-LA) Initiative – supporting 31 independent primary care practices throughout Los Angeles County – to reduce disparities in chronic conditions and preventative care. 

EQuIP-LA leverages patient & community engagement, equity-focused aims, data-driven decision-making and tailored change interventions, along with community-based coaches to successfully implement a multi-faceted Equity Centered QI Framework in a way that helps providers, payers, and care partners address disparities, improve health outcomes and ensure all communities receive high-quality and patient-centered care.