MLK Community Healthcare 10th Year Anniversary

10 years of Health & healing in South LA

Ten years ago, we opened the doors of MLK Community Healthcare to our patients. Join us in looking back at what we’ve accomplished for compassionate care in South LA!

Working together

2010–2014
A unique public-private partnership has always been part of MLK Community Healthcare’s story. It begins with California Assemblywoman Karen Bass successfully carrying the bill that ensures funding for the hospital. With partnerships from Los Angeles County, the University of California, L.A. Care and The California Endowment, the dream of a new hospital moves closer to becoming a reality.

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Change comes to South LA!

2015–2017
With the opening of the state-of-the-art hospital, MLKCH quickly begins to change what health and healing look like in South LA. In the next couple of years, the healthcare system grows its programs quickly to address decades of underinvestment in the community.

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MLK Community Medical Group opens to patients

bringing primary care doctors to address shortage of 1,200 physicians

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Rosecrans Clinic opens

to offer more specialties and create greater access for patients
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Nurse Residency & Fellowship Program established

with funding from the Hearst Foundation

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Hope Emergency Center expanded & named

with $2.8 million gift to support emergency services

ManUp!, a barbershop program for men’s health, launches in the South LA community

Growing together

2018–2019
From a single hospital to an entire healthcare system—MLKCH continues to grow and expand. Gifts from private partners help establish new and innovative programs to address pressing community health issues.

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MLK Community Medical Group expands care

with $15 million gift led by the Weingart Foundation and the Ballmer Group

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Medical Group opens East Compton Clinic

and continues to close physician gap in South LA

Integrated Behavioral Health program launches

with $1 million gift from Cedars-Sinai and the California Community Foundation to treat patients with physical and mental health needs
Recipe for Health created

to bring fresh produce and nutrition education to diabetic patients with food insecurity
Street Medicine pilot established

with $1.5 million gift from Health Net

The epicenter
of a crisis

2020
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the consequences of a community left without healthcare resources for far too long. The hospital becomes a national epicenter, and MLKCH doctors, nurses, and staff work long hours together to find creative solutions for high patient volume and to care for the community.

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First wound care clinic in South LA opens

with hyperbaric chambers to treat patients with diabetes and prevent needless amputations

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Medical Office Building opens doors

with pharmacy, consultation space, and new clinic space

Stronger together

2021–2022
MLKCH continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic on the community’s health, yet the mission remains unchanged: ensure that patients in South LA have access to high-quality healthcare. With partners, MLKCH continues to change what a community healthcare system looks like.

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MLKCH establishes the first Street Medicine Department in the state of California, reaching 150+ unhoused patients with primary care street medicine teams

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Premieres on KTLA5

The television special shares stories of creativity and hope across South LA
MLKCH launches Internal Medicine Residency Program

training physicians to serve in low-income communities
$2 million gift from Good Hope Medical Foundation

launches Diabetes Center of Excellence
Hospital receives 5-star rating for high-quality care

by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services

Rising to the challenge

2023–2025 & beyond
The need for more healthcare resources in South LA grows clear as patient volume reaches more than five times the expected numbers. MLKCH’s excellence and leadership gain increased recognition for its efforts to change decades of underinvestment in South LA.

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Maternity department featured

in award-winning documentaries for nationally recognized midwife-obsetrician team model

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$3.3 million gift from Ahmanson Foundation

for expansion of Emergency Department services

The Conrad Hilton Foundation makes a first gift of $750,000 for the support of maternity services
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$36.75 million in support

from Los Angeles County

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$25 million invested in MLK Community Healthcare

by the State of California

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First class of residents graduate

to begin practicing in South LA and other low-income communities

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The Dream Show is honored with two juried trophies at the Cannes Film Festival, and two Gold and two Silver Telly Awards

A decade of hope, a lifetime of care

In 2015, MLK Community Hospital opened its doors with a bold mission: to bring world-class, compassionate healthcare to South Los Angeles—a community that had long been underserved. Over the past 10 years, we've delivered thousands of babies, treated countless emergencies, and expanded access to care through programs designed for—and with—our community. Now, we’re honoring the patients, staff, and supporters who made it possible. And we’re looking ahead with excitement for the next 10 years, and beyond.
 

Give today & fuel the next 10 years of care

“I'm so thankful they were there to help me out at my moment of need."

Eve, patient
Wound Care Center

“I wanted a safe delivery. I wanted staff members who listened to me. ... And that’s what they were about” 

Brianna, patient
Maternity 

“We laughed and joked 
a lot. They give these signs that they 
really, really care.”  

Arthur, patient
Street Medicine

Stories from our patients

Our 10 year journey has been filled with 
moments that show the true spirit of South LA. 

Share your story & be part of the celebration!

Help build a healthier South LA

Make a gift

Be part of our growing donor family—make a one-time gift or amplify your impact with a monthly contribution!

 

Become a donor

Become an Advocate

A group of changemakers who make a big impact on our community by giving an annual gift of $1,000 or more.

 

Learn more

Make a planned gift

Join the Dream Society—a community of compassionate visionaries building a healthier South LA through planned giving.

 

Create your legacy

Stay connected

For 10 years, MLK Community Healthcare has been changing the story of health in South LA. Join our mailing list to stay connected with monthly stories of progress, community voices, and the healthier future we’re building together.