I truly enjoy getting out of the office to see the extraordinary impact that University of California employees make every workday. Recently, for example, I had the opportunity to join rounds in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. I met some dedicated people helping some very tiny patients and their families in state-of-the-art facilities. Moments like this remind me of the transformative power of UC research, teaching, and public service on all of our lives. This, truly, is the University of California in action.
And when it comes specifically to UC Health, it is remarkable to see this public service quantified, as it is in this year’s community benefits report. The report details some of the amazing work across the UC system – such as innovative mental health outreach by UCLA Health; a summer health institute for young people interested in nursing, hosted by UC Davis Health employees; and a program at UCI Family Health in Santa Ana that connects underserved patients with a local farm’s fresh produce.
The numbers are also impressive: In fiscal year 2021-22, UC Health’s academic health centers and faculty practices provided $4.4 billion in programs, activities and care to treat and promote health and healing in communities across California.
I am proud of these profound benefits to our communities and I’m grateful for the UC Health workers in our academic health centers who make this impact possible. They have been through a very challenging few years, considering the toll that the pandemic has taken on our health care system. Every day, they continue to show up and care for our patients and communities with compassion and resolve.
Fiat Lux!
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
President, University of California