CA Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) announced that $5 million in state funding has been allocated to undergird and support the university’s programs. / Photo Credit: Office of Asm. Mike A. Gipson
Los Angeles, CA — California has allocated $5 million to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science to support health professions education and strengthen the university’s efforts to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson), Senator Laura Richardson (D-South Bay), local officials and education leaders gathered at the university’s Health Professions Education Building on Wednesday, July 22, to recognize the investment. Charles R. Drew University President and CEO Dr. David M. Carlisle joined the announcement.
The funding will support the work of the university’s faculty, students and healthcare professionals as they prepare future medical providers to serve communities that have historically experienced limited access to quality care.
Located in South Los Angeles, Charles R. Drew University is one of Los Angeles County’s leading private medical and health sciences institutions. It is also California’s only Historically Black Graduate Institution and the only such institution west of Texas.
The state investment comes as healthcare and higher education institutions face mounting financial pressures stemming from federal funding reductions and changes to student aid and loan programs. These challenges could have a disproportionate effect on institutions serving communities of color and medically underserved neighborhoods.
University and legislative leaders emphasized the importance of sustained public investment in institutions such as Charles R. Drew University, which plays a critical role in developing a diverse healthcare workforce and improving health outcomes across the region.
The $5 million allocation was included in California’s recently signed state budget.
About Assemblymember Mike Gipson:
Assemblymember Gipson represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes Watts, Willowbrook, Compton, Carson, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway North and South, Harbor City, Wilmington and San Pedro.
