CalOptima Health announces $15M grant for early cancer screening and detection programs

ORANGE, Calif. (February 9, 2024) — CalOptima Health has announced $15 million in first-round grant funding to increase early detection and reduce late-stage diagnoses of breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer among its Medi-Cal members. The Board of Directors approved this funding as part of the five-year, $50.1 million Comprehensive Community Cancer Screening and Support Program to improve quality and the member experience during cancer screening and treatment.

“CalOptima Health cares for a diverse population in Orange County, and we recognize that cultural norms can sometimes lead to hesitation in obtaining cancer screenings,” said Richard Pitts, D.O., Ph.D., CalOptima Health Chief Medical Officer. “These grants will support efforts to reach our members where they are and encourage them to access these life-saving screenings.”

The grant application period is February 7, 2024, to March 29, 2024, with awards planned for June 2024. The notice of funding opportunity is posted on the CalOptima Health website. Grants supporting the following three areas will be considered:

• Capacity Building: Activities may include hiring staff, patient navigators or consultants with lived experience, providing training and skills development, or implementing strategies that improve services and support.
• Infrastructure and Capital Improvements: Proposed projects may include investments in technology and/or equipment that support improved systems, workflows, outreach and access.
• Care Coordination Collaboratives: Eligible projects may include creation and/or expansion of partnerships or collaborations among organizations and systems of care.

“We are excited to take this important first step in addressing the barriers to cancer screenings,” said Michael Hunn, CalOptima Health Chief Executive Officer. “With this funding, I am confident that together with our grantees, CalOptima Health will make a difference in detecting and treating cancers among the most vulnerable members of our community.”

About CalOptima Health

A county organized health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves nearly 955,000 members with a network of more than 10,400 primary care doctors and specialists and 43 acute and rehab hospitals.