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Help Wanted

Help Wanted

California, the nation’s most populous state, struggles with a shortage of health care workers to meet the demands of its aging and diverse residents. This series assesses whether recommendations made by state, labor, academic, and industry representatives have eased the state’s need for doctors, nurses, behavioral health providers, and community health workers.

Featured Story

California’s Primary Care Shortage Persists Despite Ambitious Moves To Close Gap

The state has in recent years embraced several initiatives recommended in an influential health care workforce report, including alternative payment arrangements for primary care doctors to earn more. Despite increasing residency programs, student debt forgiveness, and tuition-free medical school, California is unlikely to meet patient demand, observers say.

California Looked to Them To Close Health Disparities, Then It Backpedaled

A statewide initiative to formalize the role of community health workers and expand their ranks was meant to improve the health of underserved communities, particularly Hispanic populations, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses. But years in, California has abandoned a certification program and rescinded public support.

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Credits

Reporting

Angela Hart
Christine Mai-Duc
Vanessa G. Sánchez
Bernard J. Wolfson

Photography

Elisa Ferrari
Kevin Painchaud
Rich Pedroncelli

Editing

Judy Lin
Samantha Young

Copy Editing

Gabe Brison-Trezise
Terry Byrne
J.J. Evans

Data Visualization

Phillip Reese