Largest gift in MLKCH history will help expand capacity at one of the nation’s busiest emergency departments
LOS ANGELES (August 11, 2026) – Kaiser Permanente today announced a $32 million gift to support the expansion of the emergency department at MLK Community Hospital, marking the largest philanthropic gift in MLK Community Healthcare (MLKCH) history.
The commitment will support the hospital’s planned emergency department expansion and includes the installation of modular clinical units outside the emergency department. The modular units will replace the tents currently in use, providing additional clinical space and a safe, professional environment for patient care while the larger construction project moves forward.
The investment addresses a critical capacity need in South Los Angeles. MLKCH operates one of the busiest emergency departments in the nation and is the only nonprofit hospital serving South Los Angeles. In 2024, its emergency department ranked 19th busiest in the United States. Originally designed to serve a maximum of 25,000 patients annually, the department now sees approximately 120,000 visits each year. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, MLKCH treated 363,090 emergency department patients.
MLKCH’s 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment also identified emergency department demand as exceeding available capacity, contributing to operational strain, limited treatment space and delays in care. The findings reflect a broader shortage of healthcare resources in South Los Angeles, where limited access to primary and specialty care continues to drive patients to the emergency department for services that could otherwise be provided in outpatient settings.
“This is about more than expanding an emergency department. It is about strengthening the health care infrastructure that Los Angeles families depend on today and will continue to rely on for generations to come,” said Greg A. Adams, chair and chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente. “Our mission is not only to care for our members—it is to improve the health of the communities we serve. By investing in trusted community institutions like Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente is helping build a stronger, more resilient health care system that helps people get the high-quality care they need.”
The investment builds on a longstanding partnership between Kaiser Permanente and MLKCH. Kaiser Permanente helped complete MLKCH’s maternity campaign in 2014, before the hospital opened, and provided consulting support during the hospital’s construction and opening.
“We are profoundly grateful to Kaiser Permanente for its continued partnership and extraordinary generosity,” said Elaine Batchlor, MD, MPH, chief executive officer of MLK Community Healthcare. “At a time when MLKCH is advocating for the resources necessary to continue meeting the needs of our community, Kaiser Permanente’s support sends an important message: MLKCH is a worthy investment and a strong partner in advancing health equity and access to care.”
[Read Kaiser Permanente’s announcement.]
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About MLK Community Healthcare
MLK Community Healthcare is an award-winning nonprofit, safety-net hospital and health system serving 1.3 million residents in South Los Angeles. Since opening in 2015, MLKCH has offered emergency and inpatient services through its 131-bed hospital, as well as primary and specialty care through the MLK Community Medical Group, with practice sites in locations throughout South LA. MLKCH also offers community health education and outreach to improve the health of our community. Visit our website at www.mlkch.org to learn more about us, or visit our Linktree to find us on social media.