CA AB1038

Establishes the California Health Equity Program under the Office of Health Equity as a competitive grant program beginning July 1, 2022, to support local health departments, nonprofits, community clinics, and tribal organizations serving disproportionately impacted communities.

Eligible applicants must be selected from geographic areas with elevated COVID-19 death rates, high health inequities based on social and environmental indicators, and demonstrated community engagement and collaboration capacity.

Grants support actions in six areas: housing security, food security and healthy food systems, economic stability, schools and childcare, Health in All Policies, and health-promoting built environments, as outlined in the State Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Health Equity Playbook.

Creates the California Health Equity Fund in the State Treasury to receive legislative appropriations for grant distribution and establishes a 15-member California Health Equity Fund Oversight and Accountability Committee to monitor implementation and impact.

Committee must report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months after appropriation with recommendations on creating a sustained statewide system of health equity and prevention funding.