South Los Angeles, a historically marginalized Black and multi-ethnic community, has faced many challenges originating from its limited economic base and decades of political neglect, redlining and systemic racism. This vibrant, diverse community of over 2 million is home to one of the largest food deserts in California and is medically underserved, with some of the highest diabetes and maternal mortality rates. Limited job opportunities and few public transportation options make it difficult to start a career or connect with the city’s economic centers. Small businesses struggle to stay afloat. Nevertheless, residents are organizing and working hard to transform these broken systems.

“For years, our community has felt ignored by regional decision-makers and those with resources,” says Cheryl Branch, Executive Director of the Community Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA), an Accountable Community for Health (ACH). “Then when COVID-19 hit, we were all scared, but we knew we couldn’t keep following the same playbook. Too many lives—and livelihoods—were at stake. We decided to come together to empower our residents and advocate for what our community needs.”

On the eve of the lockdowns, Cheryl and over a dozen executive directors of Black-led organizations—churches, educational institutions and community-based organizations (CBOs)—came together on Zoom to strategize ways to keep South LA’s BIPOC community healthy during the crisis. Their goal was to identify resources for emergency operations, medical triage and distribution centers, and coordinate with government agencies to deploy information and resources.

CRSSLA soon led the community’s testing, vaccination and education efforts, and strongly advocated for the county to prioritize resources for their community. CRSSLA also successfully advocated for the founding of a Center for Health Equity within LA County Public Health and spearheaded other essential activities, including the distribution of food, transportation assistance, mental health services and mini-grants to grassroots organizations.

What CRSSLA created has since evolved into a multi-sector ACH that is ready to immediately respond to any new crisis by bringing together resources and communicating authentically with residents. With Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches as the core backbone entity, and the University of Southern California (USC) as a founding partner, CRSSLA works diligently to ensure community members guide all their operations. A steering committee sets the general direction, supported by publicly accessible subcommittees on education, justice and health—all of which elevate community voices with lived experience.

Additionally, a strategic communications effort ensures critical information is distributed to the community in culturally appropriate language that works for them—translating complex public health issues into actionable messages. Dedicated staff conduct social media outreach, coordinate community influencers online, manage a youth ambassador program, distribute newsletters and host “Meet the Black Doctors” events in local parks. Over 2,000 “care calls” have also been made by 15 USC graduate student interns who have collected valuable data on residents’ needs, informing their communications and public health strategies.

“Moving forward, CRSSLA is working to further build capacity while breaking down systemic barriers,” says Branch. “We must maintain momentum, work outside of our comfort zone and continue to adapt and learn from other ACHs like ours. That way, we can further lift up our community, expand access to mental health services, strengthen our public health workforce and mentor the next generation of leaders.”

Learn more at crssla.com.