Kaiser Permanente was founded on the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity. And our commitment to those values shapes everything we do — from how we care for our members to how we support our communities.
Building healthier communities
The places where people live, work, learn, play, and grow has a tremendous impact on their health. But many individuals don’t have access to everything they need to be truly healthy. We’re taking meaningful action to change that.
Providing care to the people who need it most
Helping people access health care has always been a core Kaiser Permanente value. So we’re committed to making care more affordable for underserved people and communities. In 2020, we delivered care to more than 1.15 million people in need. We also provided more than $551 million in medical financial assistance.
Addressing unmet social needs
When people’s social health needs aren’t met — such as safe housing and nutrition, their health suffers. So we help create accessible paths to the essential resources people need to be healthy by:
- Investing $200 million to fight homelessness
- Launching Kaiser Permanente’s community resource directory
Leading LGBTQ+ health care equality
Everyone deserves access to inclusive, equitable health care, no matter who they love or how they identify. At Kaiser Permanente, we’re firmly on the side of equal rights — and we’re leading by example.
Creating inclusive spaces for trans and nonbinary care
We support your gender expression goals, whatever they might be. When members come in for gender-affirming services, they’re treated by responsive, equitable care teams who respect pronouns, transgender bodies, and the unique experience of every gender-diverse person.
Helping save young lives
Kaiser Permanente employees are volunteering with The Trevor Project, the world's leading LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention group, to train as crisis counselors and help save lives.
Achieving COVID-19 vaccine equity
Health disparities related to COVID-19 came to light early in the pandemic. Infection and hospitalization rates were higher in people and communities of color. So we took action with:
- A COVID-19 education campaign to improve vaccine equity
- $5 million in grants to support the people most affected by COVID-19
Investing in a more equitable and inclusive future
Racism and lack of economic opportunities are barriers to good health for a lot of people. And the COVID-19 pandemic has widened racial health and wealth gaps even further. Kaiser Permanente has always stood up for social justice — and now we’re taking even bolder steps to help make things right.
Supporting minority-led small businesses
Kaiser Permanente and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation invested $60 million to help more minority-led businesses overcome economic disadvantages. Together, we supported nearly 1,400 businesses in 2020.
Breaking the cycles of stress and trauma
Adverse childhood events (ACEs) increase risk for chronic health problems later in life. Experiencing racism and inequity are common examples of ACEs. Building on our pioneering ACEs research, Kaiser Permanente has designated $25 million in grants to help children deal with this type of trauma.
See how Kaiser Permanente is making a difference in your community
