Through decades of service, health equity has been one of Hilda’s primary driving forces. All people, regardless of their gender, their race and ethnicity, their income level, their documentation status, their insurance, or their zip code should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Whether it’s a physical ailment or a mental health need, comprehensive care should be available to all residents whenever and wherever they need it. Hilda is committed to addressing the root causes of health disparities and building a network of resources to fit the health needs of all residents.
Restorative Care Village Project at LAC + USC Medical Center
Hilda Solis fought to bring a first-in-the-nation mental health and well-being campus dedicated to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable residents experiencing mental health issues and homelessness. When completed, this campus will provide hundreds of mental health beds and Residential Treatment Programs.
New Health Center in City of Bell
Hilda Solis advocated for an evaluation of health services offered which identified Southeast Los Angeles as a community with the highest need and lowest primary care access areas in the County. This prompted the launch of the new Bell Health Center.
New Medical Clinic in Rampart/Westlake
Hilda Solis authored a motion to bring a new medical clinic to meet the needs of the Rampart/Westlake community, an area in which at the peak of the pandemic had the highest COVID-19 death rate of any community in the City of Los Angeles.
Promotoras and Community Health Worker Expansion
Hilda Solis recognizes that in a County as diverse as Los Angeles, trust is critical to close health disparities and bridge gaps. That’s why she passed a motion to increase the role of promotoras and community health workers – trusted health messengers from community, for community, delivering services and increasing access to care in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way. She has helped secure over $45 million in federal funding to support and expand this critical workforce throughout the County.
Student Mental Health
Hilda Solis believes that addressing the growing youth mental health crisis is more urgent than ever. One in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, half of whom go without any treatment or care. That’s why she’s championed motions to expand the County’s mental health services in our schools, and to bring further collaboration between the County and school districts to meet the needs of our children.
Diabetes and Prediabetes Awareness
Hilda Solis led the passage of a motion to address the impacts of diabetes on residents in the County, addressing the disparate impacts felt by Latino/Latina, Black/African American, and Native communities. An estimated 903,000 adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 2 in 5 have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes, resulting in chronic health conditions and nearly $6 billion each year in costs. Hilda’s efforts have the County working on a coordinated effort to improve health outcomes for children, raise awareness for adults, and provide improved treatment to those living with diabetes.
Establishing trauma center at Pomona Hospital
Hilda Solis championed a motion to establish the Pre-Trauma Center Designation Agreement, a major step forward in the opening of the new trauma center at the Pomona Valley Medical Hospital Center. This trauma center is the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley.
Regional Aquatic Center in San Gabriel Valley
Hilda Solis authored a motion to build a regional aquatic facility to serve local residents in Avocado Heights, Bassett, Charter Oak, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Valinda, and West Puente Valley after an assessment was conducted and found that residents in San Gabriel Valley lack access to swimming pools that help them improve their health.
Addressing the STD Crisis
Hilda Solis recognizes that the ongoing sexually transmitted disease (STD) crisis requires immediate attention. As STD case rates have skyrocketed over the last six years, Hilda introduced a motion for the County to bring together all available resources and work with stakeholders on a comprehensive approach to address the rise in cases and end the STD crisis in the County.
Serving Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Hilda knows that in order to best serve our most vulnerable children, including our foster youth, recognizing the root causes of their struggles is essential. Although rarely screened for, alcohol exposure to babies in utero is one of the leading causes of preventable birth defects and neurodevelopmental challenges, with tremendous consequences for youth including higher rates of foster care and involvement in the juvenile justice system. To improve outcomes for our youth, Hilda has led efforts to raise awareness for FASD and provide resources to at-risk families to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Reparations for Forced Sterilization at LAC+USC
Hilda knows that to truly move forward to address systemic health issues, it’s important to confront the sins of the past. That’s why she has led efforts to officially apologize and advocate for reparations to over 240 women, who were survivors of forced sterilization practices at LAC+USC Medical Center from 1968 to 1974. Although nothing can make up for the terrible actions committed against them, she is committed to rectifying the situation through action.
Gender Affirming Care
Hilda recognizes that within healthcare settings, trans patients often face insurmountable hurdles in accessing medically necessary healthcare services, with many reporting harassment or refusal of treatment due to their gender identity. As a result, nearly 1 in 4 transgender patients reported not seeking needed healthcare. To address this, Hilda is leading efforts to create a welcoming environment where anyone, regardless of their gender identity, can access the care they need – without the fear of discrimination.