Vision, Mission & History

CCHI is an association of local Community/Children's Health Initiatives (CHI) in 24 counties across California. Collectively, the CHIs have insured more than 150,000 previously uninsured children into the locally funded Healthy Kids program. With firsthand experience and success enrolling children into public programs, such as Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, as well as administering local Healthy Kids programs, the CHIs have shown that coverage for all children in California is a do-able goal.

Vision
CCHI is a leader in health advocacy for children and families and is recognized as a statewide network of community organizations that champion enrollment in health coverage, access to care and other services.

Mission
CCHI's mission is to improve the health and well-being of California children and families by supporting its members in meeting the needs of their communities.

History
In 2001, Santa Clara County launched the first Children's Health Initiative (CHI), followed closely by San Francisco, San Mateo and Los Angeles counties. In 2007, the effort to establish a statewide organization to represent the Children's Health Initiatives was spearheaded by the CHI of Greater Los Angeles. With their support, CCHI blossomed into a statewide organization which represents 24 county CHIs that provide health coverage to tens of thousands of children. Collectively, CHIs have insured more than 150,000 previously uninsured children through locally funded health programs. Additionally, CHIs connect over 125,000 children each year to the Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs.

Community/Children's Health Initiatives are characterized by leadership through a diverse coalition of community stakeholders who emphasize outreach and enrollment into Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. Additionally, locally funded Healthy Kids programs make access to affordable health coverage possible for families who would otherwise lack access to state and federal programs due to income or immigration status.