Heart-to-Heart Lake County
Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care
About Heart-to-Heart Lake County
Heart-to-Heart Lake County is part of the Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care, a five-year initiative funded by the Merck Foundation to improve heart health and reduce disparities in cardiac care. Lake County is one of 11 communities nationwide selected for the Collaborative. In Lake County, the project serves Medi-Cal-eligible adults ages 18 and older.
Vision
Reduce cardiac-related hospitalizations and mortality by fostering equity-centered, culturally grounded, and person-centered approaches that address the medical and social needs of people living with heart conditions.
The Population Health Innovation Lab (PHIL), a program of the Public Health Institute, is working alongside local partners to co-create and lead this project in Lake County.
Cardiac Community Needs Assessment
In 2026, Heart-to-Heart listened to 120 community members, 44 providers, and 18 interview and group discussion participants to learn how residents experience heart-related care, what supports them, and what would strengthen care. This assessment is our baseline.
Why This Matters
Sources: lakecountyca.gov; CHCF Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in California Almanac, 2024; NACCHO Lake County Wellness Roadmap; CDPH County Health Status Profiles 2025; HHS Office of Minority Health.
Our Partners
Heart-to-Heart is a partnership with Adventist Health Clear Lake and local community-based organizations working together to strengthen heart-related care in Lake County.
