California Speaks

California Speaks is a statewide health policy dialogue initiative in the United States. It was launched in 2007 by the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) and AmericaSpeaks, a non-profit organization that engages citizens in the public decision-making process. The initiative aimed to involve Californians in discussions about the future of health care in the state.

Background

California has one of the largest and most diverse populations in the United States. As such, it faces unique challenges in providing health care to its residents. The state has a high number of uninsured individuals and a diverse population with varying health needs. In response to these challenges, the CHCF and AmericaSpeaks launched California Speaks in 2007.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of California Speaks was to engage Californians in a dialogue about the future of health care in the state. The initiative aimed to gather input from a diverse range of participants, including uninsured individuals, health care providers, and policy makers. The information gathered through these discussions was used to inform policy decisions and shape the future of health care in California.

Methodology

California Speaks used a variety of methods to engage participants in the dialogue. These included large-scale town hall meetings, online discussions, and smaller focus groups. The initiative also used a variety of tools to gather input from participants, including surveys, interactive voting devices, and facilitated discussions.

Impact

The impact of California Speaks on health policy in California is difficult to measure. However, the initiative did succeed in engaging a diverse range of participants in the dialogue about health care. The information gathered through these discussions has been used to inform policy decisions and shape the future of health care in the state.

See Also

• Health care in the United States
• Health policy
• Public health