California Latino Medical Association Receives $1 Million Scholarship Donation From Blue Cross of California Foundation to Address the Shortage of Latino Nurses

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Latino Medical Association (CaLMA) announced that it has received a $1 million contribution from Blue Cross of California Foundation, a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. , to support and champion their first nursing scholarship program. As the largest donation received by CaLMA, this contribution will provide CaLMA with the needed funding to provide scholarships to nursing students throughout California for the next four years.

Newly founded, CaLMA's nursing scholarship program was designed to encourage bilingual students to pursue nursing careers in California. According to Christine Gonzalez, executive director of CaLMA, "Less than 3 percent of the state's nurses are Hispanic, and of those only 70 percent were bilingual." This figure, combined with the already growing nursing shortage, is creating a widening disparity to effectively meet the health care needs of the Latino population in the state. "As medical professionals we recognize that the health care needs of the Latino population need to be delivered by individuals who are fluent in Spanish, and there are many Latino students who are very eager to enter the field," added Gonzalez. "The Blue Cross of California Foundation recognizes this need and has joined us in our efforts -- this type of commitment is one that no one has ever done."

"We are pleased to support CaLMA's efforts to help students who are committed to meeting the needs of Latino patients throughout Los Angeles County," said Ray Morales, MD, director of social investment programs at WellPoint. "We believe the efforts they are making to shape the next generation of Latino health care professionals will not only help improve the quality of health care delivered to Latino patients, but will help meet the growing nursing shortage in California."

A multidisciplinary steering committee, made up of physicians, nurses, as well as representatives from the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC), LINC Telecu and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses will review all applicants and make final selection for scholarship recipients.

Working with over 17 schools in the county, such as Cerritos Community College, Los Angeles City College and Mt. Saint Mary's College, CaLMA ensures recipients of the scholarships are successful both academically as well as professionally. "Each student is matched with a mentor -- who is either a nurse or physician -- this individual works to ensure they are succeeding academically and ease into the professional world of nursing," explained Gonzalez. In addition, the advisory panel reviews all progress reports to ensure the students remain committed to academic achievement.

To date, 15 scholarships have been awarded to students who are enrolled in nursing programs throughout Los Angeles County with the Blue Cross donation.

About the California Latino Medical Association (CaLMA):

The California Latino Medical Association (CaLMA) strives, as an association of concerned physicians to insure the provision of quality and culturally appropriate medical care to the largest under-served population in California. It is through a strong association of Latino physicians, that messages not otherwise clear of the desperate needs of our communities will be strongly made. CaLMA not only represents the California Latino Doctor, but the Latino patient and their families. It is through the involvement and commitment of health professionals, that CaLMA delivers its most important messages and values.

About Blue Cross of California Foundation

Blue Cross of California and its Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. Blue Cross of California Foundation focuses on initiatives that make health care more accessible and affordable, improve quality of care, shape the development of health-related public policy and help identify best practices in medicine. The Foundation invests in social programs and partners with non-profit public charities whose objectives closely align with Blue Cross of California's health care priorities. Blue Cross of California Foundation was formed by Blue Cross of California, a health benefits company that has been serving the health care needs of Californians since 1937.