2024 I community report COMMUNITY IMPACT COMPASSIONATE CARE,
2024 community report I 1 Community Members, Partners and Friends, We are proud to share this year’s community report titled “Compassionate Care, Community Impact.” These words not only reflect our efforts at Kern Health Systems—they speak to the heart of everything we do. Over the past year, we’ve continued to navigate the complexities of health care with one guiding principle: Every individual deserves care that is accessible, compassionate and tailored to their unique needs. As Kern County’s only local initiative Medi-Cal health plan provider, Kern Health Systems remains deeply committed to the well-being of our members and the communities we serve. With more than 400,000 Kern Family Health Care members entrusting us with their health care, we recognize the responsibility we carry. We’ve chosen to serve our members beyond their coverage. Whether it’s investing in wellness and prevention programs or partnering with local organizations to address social determinants of health, our goal remains the same: to improve outcomes and remove barriers to care for every person we serve. This report highlights the impact of that work—made possible through strong partnerships, our dedicated staff and the resilience of our members. From supporting strategic initiatives through grants to addressing access to care or providing chronic care management, we are proud of the ways we are making a meaningful difference. We extend our gratitude to our health care providers, community partners and staff, whose compassion and dedication fuel this impact. Most importantly, we thank our members for trusting us with their care. Ensuring your good health and listening to your voice shape our purpose. As we look ahead, our commitment is stronger than ever. Together, we will continue to uplift the communities we serve and ensure that compassionate care remains at the center of all we do. With gratitude, Emily Duran, MS Chief Executive Officer Kern Health Systems Kristen Beall Watson, EdD Chair Governance Board
2 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Caring for Our Community, Impacting Lives Kern Family Health Care (KFHC), governed by Kern Health Systems (KHS), is a Medi-Cal managed care health plan serving more than 400,000 members across Kern County. As the county health authority, KHS is an independent public agency whose board of directors is appointed by the Kern County Board of Supervisors and includes major health care stakeholders— physicians, safety-net providers, hospitals, pharmacies and community representatives. Board meetings are held every other month and are open to the public. KFHC is committed to improving the health and well-being of our members by providing access to high-quality, compassionate and culturally responsive care. As Kern County’s only not-for-profit, local initiative health plan, KFHC partners with an extensive network of providers, community organizations and stakeholders to ensure our members receive the care and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. With a strong local presence and deep community roots, we understand the unique health challenges facing Kern County residents and are dedicated to addressing disparities, promoting wellness and prevention, and enhancing care coordination. Through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering focus on member well-being, we are building a healthier Kern County—one member at a time. Who We Are Community Impact
2024 community report I 3 Kristen Beall Watson, EdD Chair Community Representative, 3rd District Scott Thygerson, MHA Vice Chair Kern Medical Representative Vijaykumar B. Patel, MD Secretary Rural Primary Care Provider Representative Ross Elliott, MA Treasurer Community Representative, 1st District Sarabjeet Singh, MD Urban Primary Care Provider Representative Timothy McGlew, MHSA Rural Hospital Representative Olga Meave, MD Safety-Net Provider Representative Emily Duran, MS Chief Executive Officer Alan Avery, MBA Chief Operations Officer Robert Landis, MBA Chief Financial Officer Martha Tasinga, MD Chief Medical Officer Devin Brown, JD Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer Deborah Murr, MSHA Chief Compliance and Fraud Prevention Officer Traco Matthews, MBA Chief Health Equity Officer Cesar Delgado, MS Chief Information Officer Our Leadership and Governing Board Kimberly Hoffmann, PharmD Pharmacist Representative Michael T. Bowers Community Representative, 1st District Alex Alva Community Representative, 2nd District Russell Johnson Community Representative, 2nd District Jay Tamsi Community Representative, 3rd District Ganesh Acharya, MBA Community Representative, 4th District Albert Ma, MD Community Representative, 5th District Michael Turnipseed Community Representative, 5th District
4 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact The Four Pillars of Compassionate Care Members Our members are more than numbers—they are our neighbors, families and community around us with unique needs and backgrounds. Everything we do is focused on their well-being. We listen, we advocate and we work to remove barriers to care so that every KFHC member feels supported, satisfied with their care, and empowered to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Community Kern County is our home, and our commitment goes beyond providing health coverage. By partnering with local organizations, schools and community leaders, we work together to address the social and economic factors that influence health. From preventive programs to bridging gaps in care, we’re here to support the whole community. Providers Our provider network is a cornerstone of accessible, high-quality care. We collaborate with physicians, specialists, clinics and hospitals who share our values and commitment to equitable health outcomes. Together, we build strong, lasting relationships that support our shared goal of delivering whole-person care to every KFHC member. Employees Our employees are the heart of KHS. With compassion and a strong commitment to service, our team works each day to support members, strengthen partnerships and improve the health of our community. Their passion drives innovation, accountability and excellence across everything we do. In return, we value our employees by providing meaningful work, a culture of inclusion and belonging and a workplace where they can thrive.
2024 community report I 5 Excellence I We strive for the highest standards in service and care, ensuring that every interaction reflects our dedication to quality. Equity I We work to ensure every member receives the care they need, meeting them where they are with respect and understanding. Collaboration I We believe meaningful impact happens when we work hand-in-hand across departments, with providers and alongside our community partners. Compassion I We keep our members at the center of everything we do, leading with heart, empathy and humanity. Integrity I We act with transparency and accountability, upholding the trust placed in us by our members, partners and community. Innovation I We seek new ways to expand access, enhance quality and improve the efficiency of health care delivery in Kern County. Our Values At KHS, our values are more than guiding principles—they are commitments we live every day to deliver compassionate care and create lasting community impact. Our values are the foundation of who we are—and the driving force behind every step we take toward a healthier, more equitable community.
6 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Caring for Kern County: Our Services and Economic Impact Comprehensive Services for Our Community KFHC is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality health care to over 400,000 members across Kern County. Our services encompass a wide range of medical needs, including: Primary and Preventive Care Wellness checkups, screenings and vaccinations to maintain health and prevent illness. Specialty Care Access to specialists for conditions requiring advanced medical attention. Behavioral Health Services Support for mental health and substance use disorders. Chronic Disease Management Programs for conditions like diabetes, asthma and COPD. Investing in Kern County’s Health and Economy KFHC’s impact on Kern County transcends health care delivery; we are a significant contributor to the local economy. In 2024, KFHC invested over $1.23 billion into the county’s health system, bolstering services and supporting thousands of jobs. 2024 fiscal contributions These investments ensure our members have access to necessary care while strengthening the infrastructure that supports our community’s well-being. Maternity and Pediatric Care Comprehensive services for expecting mothers and children. Long-Term Services and Supports Assistance for members requiring ongoing care, including skilled nursing and palliative care. Transportation Services Non-emergency medical and non-medical transportation to ensure members can attend appointments. Health Education Programs promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Our commitment extends beyond medical services, addressing social determinants of health through community partnerships and support programs.
2024 community report I 7 Preparing for NCQA Accreditation In 2024, KHS laid the groundwork for something big: national accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This milestone isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about raising the bar for how we serve our members. NCQA accreditation shows that KFHC meets the highest standards in health care quality and equity. It’s a stamp of excellence that confirms we’re doing right by our members— and always striving to do better. To get there, teams across the organization worked together to strengthen our systems, improve how we deliver care, and align our practices with national best standards. These efforts are already making a difference by helping us run more smoothly and deliver more consistent, high-quality care. Striving for Quality and Excellence What we accomplished in 2024: • Roadmap to Accreditation: We partnered with national experts to build a detailed work plan and completed every task by year’s end—thanks to collaboration across departments. • Better Operations, Better Outcomes: We reviewed and improved how we manage everything from population health to member outreach. As a result, 89 percent of the standards for both Health Plan Accreditation (HPA) and Health Equity Accreditation (HEA) are already in place. • Practice Makes Perfect: We ran internal “mock reviews” to make sure our documentation, programs and workflows are on track and meet national expectations. • Smarter Tools for Long-Term Quality: We began rolling out SAI360, a new digital platform that helps us track our progress, monitor compliance and stay ready for what’s next. While the official NCQA survey is scheduled for 2025, this past year’s work is already paying off. It’s helping us become a stronger organization—one that’s more responsive, more efficient and better equipped to meet our members’ needs. Most of all, it reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care for every member, every time.
8 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Who We Serve KFHC proudly serves all of Kern County — a geographically diverse region that includes rural farming communities, mountain towns and the city of Bakersfield. Our members span every corner of the county, and our growing network of member engagement representatives ensures in-person support is available where it’s needed most. As of 2024, KFHC serves more than 400,000 members. The majority of members speak English or Spanish, with 33 percent identifying Spanish as their preferred language. Our membership is predominantly Hispanic, followed by white, Black and other ethnicities. Nearly half of our members are under age 19, highlighting the critical role KFHC plays in supporting children and families throughout Kern County. Community Presence, Lasting Impact KFHC members aren’t just numbers — they’re neighbors, families and individuals served with compassion by our dedicated member engagement team. With representatives stationed across the county, KFHC meets members where they are, from mountain communities to rural towns. In 2024, member engagement representatives supported members in North Kern, West Kern, Northeast Kern and Southeast Kern. These boots-on-the-ground roles allow KFHC to provide personalized support and build lasting community trust. Our Members Community Impact
2024 community report I 9 Members Demographics Members Age Breakdown Members Ethnicity Member Engagement Representatives Members Languages
10 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact 2024 marked the fifth year KFHC partnered with Press Ganey to conduct the Measurement Year (MY) 2023 CAHPS® Medicaid Adult Simulation Survey for the annual Member Satisfaction Survey. This survey is required by the NCQA to meet HEDIS® accreditation standards. Its goal is to capture accurate, member-reported experiences with health care and assess how well health plans are meeting member expectations. Overall, KFHC outperformed the regional average across all eight key measures of the 2024 survey. Notable strengths include: • 94 percent of members gave high marks for customer service. • Over 92 percent said their doctors communicate well. • Ratings for coordination of care and getting care quickly both exceeded 84 percent, showing strong improvements year over year. Improvements were also seen across multiple areas, including the rating of the health plan (71.6 percent) and getting needed care (84.3 percent). Opportunities remain to further close the gap between member experience and member expectations. Based on 2023 findings, four key strategies were introduced and implemented in 2024 to improve performance: • Expand member engagement to support care coordination • Enhance communication through multiple modalities • Increase timely messaging for rewards and preventive care • Improve customer relations management Looking ahead, KFHC will build on these efforts in 2025 by enhancing education on care coordination, developing digital content that empowers members to ask questions and strengthening provider communication training. Additional analysis of grievances and call data will support targeted strategies to improve the member experience with specialists. Listening to Our Members
2024 community report I 11
12 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Before finding help through KFHC’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports Services (CSS) programs, Librado Chávez often faced the challenges of managing his health alone. Living by himself in Taft with only a brother nearby, Chávez struggled to coordinate his medical appointments and transportation, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. When health issues began to escalate, Chávez was hospitalized, opening a door to much-needed support. It was then that he was introduced to Rebecca Rodriguez, an ECM supervisor. From that moment, his journey toward better health and stability began. “Before, I didn’t know where to turn or how to manage my appointments. It was very difficult,” Chávez shared. “Once I met Rebecca, everything changed. She stayed by my side, helped me with transportation, scheduled my appointments and made sure I never felt alone.” Through regular home visits, transportation assistance, and consistent medical coordination, Chávez began to feel supported for the first time in years. KFHC team members from both ECM and CSS, including nurses and advocates like Bo Buena, LVN, not only helped coordinate his health services but also made personal connections that restored his sense of dignity and hope. With their help, Chávez saw a dramatic improvement in his health and quality of life. From feeling isolated and uncertain, he now feels part of a caring community—one he describes as “like family.” “They truly care about your life,” he said. “They call you, they check on you, they make sure you’re okay. Without this program, I would have felt even more alone. I’m very grateful from the bottom of my heart.” Finding Support, Finding Strength: Librado Chávez’s Journey
2024 community report I 13 Beyond everyday support, the program made extraordinary efforts to ensure Chávez could access critical care, even arranging hotel accommodations near a Los Angeles hospital to ease his travel burden during a major health treatment. Today, Chávez feels stronger, healthier and more confident navigating his health needs. He continues to recommend the ECM and CSS programs to others, encouraging anyone who might be struggling to seek out the same life-changing support he received. “I sincerely recommend this program to everyone,” Chávez said. “It’s something very special, and it truly changes lives.” They truly care about your life. They call you, they check on you, they make sure you’re okay. “ ” Librado Chávez Scan to learn more about Librado's story.
14 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Incentives That Drive Quality KHS’s Pay for Performance (P4P) Program is a key strategy in delivering compassionate, high-quality care. By rewarding providers who meet clinical and operational benchmarks, we help improve health outcomes and reduce disparities across our community. In 2024, our focus was on preventive and chronic care health services—areas where timely, consistent care makes the biggest impact. These incentives supported providers in improving access to screenings, managing long-term conditions and closing care gaps for our members. In total, KHS distributed more than $5 million to highperforming providers across Kern County. Our Providers Community Impact
2024 community report I 15 At KHS, improving health outcomes isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared responsibility with our providers, community partners and members. MCAS, California’s version of HEDIS, helps us monitor member access, service utilization, and overall community health across domains like chronic disease, behavioral health, cancer prevention, reproductive care, and children’s health. For measurement year 2024, KHS improved performance in 14 of 18 measures, achieved the Minimum Performance Level (MPL) in 10, and came within 5 percent of MPL for five more. The most significant gains were seen in the children’s domain, where all eight measures improved over the prior two years—a strong indication that our coordinated quality efforts are making a difference. Mobile Unit Initiative One of the most impactful drivers behind our recent quality gains has been the KHS Mobile Unit Initiative. In late 2023, we funded five mobile providers through a Quality Outcomes Driving Community Impact This initiative was built around a simple mission: take the care to where our members are. Guided by geo-mapping data and health disparities, the mobile units focus on children’s care, behavioral health and reproductive health. Services include immunizations, well-child visits, lead screenings, pap smears, mammograms and other preventive care—ensuring no one is turned away. With nearly 200 mobile events in 2024, the units have reached neighborhoods across more than 8,000 square miles—from the canyon to the desert and the heart of rural farming communities. Partnerships with over 15 school districts have expanded our reach even further, helping foster trust, increase member engagement and improve clinical outcomes right where they’re needed most. Highlights • 200 Mobile Events • 15 School District Partners • Quality and Health Equity Integration • Proximity to Members • Addresses Health Disparities • Bridge Gaps in Care • Boosts MCAS Performance two-year quality grant aimed at increasing access to preventive services and boosting MCAS performance— particularly in underserved and geographically isolated areas.
16 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Provider Network Snapshot KFHC’s provider network is at the heart of our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care across Kern County and beyond. We collaborate with a broad spectrum of providers—from primary care and specialty physicians to behavioral health professionals, hospitals, and urgent care centers—to ensure our members have access to the care they need, when and where they need it. Our commitment to partnering with trusted, culturally responsive providers helps close care gaps, improve outcomes and support the unique health needs of our diverse communities. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected network focused on prevention, chronic care management and behavioral health services that reflect the values of equity, excellence and compassion.
2024 community report I 17 Focused on health equity and population health management, featuring KFHC leadership presentations. Provider Education Highlights Brought mini-education forums and resources directly to rural health clinics across Kern County. Welcomed emerging provider partners for an on-site session, addressing billing support and collaboration opportunities. At KHS, we know that strong, collaborative provider partnerships are essential to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. In 2024, we strengthened our commitment to providers through a series of education and support initiatives designed to improve communication, build trust and ensure our network has the tools needed to serve our members effectively.
18 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact As part of KHS’s commitment to delivering compassionate, whole-person care, we continued expanding and strengthening our CalAIM initiatives in 2024. These efforts address medical, behavioral, and social needs for our members, removing barriers to health and improving outcomes across Kern County. Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Launched in 2022, ECM uses a high-touch, community-based approach to coordinate clinical and non-clinical services for members with complex needs. In 2024, the program grew to 38 ECM providers, helping KHS rank third in the state for ECM penetration rates and fourth overall across all plans. Notably, KHS also ranked second statewide for serving child and youth populations under 21. Following the first formal DHCS audit of the program in 2024, ECM achieved a major milestone: no findings and no corrective actions. Advancing Whole-Person Care Through CalAIM Initiatives Community Supports Services (CSS) CSS provides wrap-around services that address social determinants of health, offering alternatives to traditional hospital or skilled nursing care. By the end of 2024, KHS had partnered with 26 community-based organizations to deliver 57 services throughout Kern County. Enrollment and service delivery surged dramatically, growing from 764 members served in 2022 to 4,465 members in 2024. Services provided grew from 2,236 in 2022 to more than 26,000 in 2024. New initiatives included day habilitation programs and home modification services, helping members live independently and improve their quality of life. Maternity and Doula Program KHS made significant strides in growing access to doula services for pregnant members through CalAIM. Beginning with no Medi-Cal-certified doulas in the county, KHS built trusted partnerships with local doula networks and hosted groundbreaking forums connecting community doulas directly with state leadership. These efforts helped break down barriers to participation, and by early 2025, 11 certified medical doulas were serving KFHC members. Internal support systems, specialized training, and collaborative work with regional groups further strengthened the program, laying the foundation to continue building local doula capacity.
2024 community report I 19 Community Health Workers (CHWs) KHS also expanded the role of CHWs, who serve as trusted frontline public health workers bridging clinical care with community-based services. CHWs assist members with education, resource navigation and culturally responsive support, ensuring members remain engaged and empowered throughout their health journeys. Their contributions continue to be vital in connecting members to ECM, CSS and other essential services. Behavioral Health (BH) In 2024, KHS strengthened behavioral health access through targeted outreach and collaborative care. A key success involved a member referred after an ER visit: after multiple home visits, a BH community health worker helped overcome barriers like housing instability and lack of phone access, ultimately connecting the member to Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and safe housing. The BH team also participated in Regional Advisory Committee events in communities like Arvin, Frazier Park and California City, and partnered with tribal organizations and community leaders to raise awareness and improve culturally responsive care. BH referrals more than tripled from 2023 to 2024, with more than 14,000 unique members served—demonstrating growing need and the impact of whole-person behavioral health integration. Together, these CalAIM initiatives exemplify KHS commitment to delivering compassionate care and achieving lasting community impact. By removing barriers and investing in whole-person health, we are building a stronger, healthier Kern County.
20 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Community Impact: Compassion in Action At KHS, compassionate care means showing up for our community — not just in moments of crisis, but every day, in ways big and small. From emergency response efforts to long-term investments in youth, health education, and access, KHS is proud to be a trusted partner and advocate. Together with our community partners, we’re driving lasting impact across Kern County. Our Community Community Impact
2024 community report I 21 With temperatures soaring into the triple digits, about 200 homes in the Shirley Lane neighborhood east of Fairfax were left without water for several days. As the heatwave bore down, our community faced an urgent crisis. But even in the face of adversity, KHS and local organizations came together, exemplifying the strength, unity and unwavering commitment to our neighbors. During this time, residents were drawing water from hoses provided by Shirley Lane Elementary School. The sudden outage and lack of communication left many unprepared. Yet the community’s response was nothing short of inspiring. To aid those in need, KHS teamed up with a host of local organizations to deliver essential supplies, including water, Gatorade, food, hygiene kits, shower access, clothing, towels, disposable plates and cutlery. These items were vital for families who couldn’t cook or clean without running water. Local organizations that joined this effort included: • 23ABC • Centric Health • Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) • Costco • Countryside Markets • Fairfax School District • FIELD This list is not comprehensive. As more local companies and organizations learned of the emergency, they quickly joined us to serve and support the community. KHS also coordinated with Clinica Sierra Vista to bring a free mobile clinic to the neighborhood, providing much-needed care during the crisis. This moment highlighted the resilience, compassion and indomitable spirit of Kern County. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone involved in this tremendous effort—your hard work, dedication and generosity made a profound difference, bringing relief and hope in challenging times. Water Crisis Relief: Answering the Call for Compassionate Care • Good Samaritan Hospital • Kern County Department of Human Services • Pactiv Evergreen • Resurrection Church • Rodriguez & Associates • United Farm Workers Foundation
22 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Through our School Wellness Grant Program, KHS continues to invest in the well-being of students, staff and families across Kern County. The goal of the program is to expand efforts that support the physical, social, emotional and behavioral health of school communities. Since the grant program’s inception, KHS has served 22 school sites over five funding cycles. For the 2022–2024 cycle, we extended the grant term from one year to two years and saw strong results. Schools completed 94.1 percent of their work plans, compared to 81.7 percent in 2019. Scan to learn more about our School Wellness Grant Highlights from the latest cycle include: • Alicante Elementary in Lamont engaged 1,500 students in building and maintaining a new school garden. • Horizon Elementary used the Little Spots social-emotional learning curriculum, noting a 60 percent increase in TK–2 classroom connections and a 40 percent decrease in challenging behaviors. • Harvest Elementary in Delano launched a student running club, averaging 60 student participants each month. • Kernville Elementary implemented a sun and water safety curriculum, resulting in a 100 percent increase in student physical activity—an extra 90 minutes each week. • Sandrini Elementary installed three outdoor water fountains to help reduce overheating and improve hydration during recess. • Thompson Junior High started a powerlifting team with 100 student athletes, several of whom placed in local competitions. • Wallace Middle School in Lake Isabella installed nine vape detectors and launched a cessation program that led to a 37 percent decrease in vaping incidents. Supporting Student Wellness Across Kern County As we launched the 2024–2026 grant cycle, we focused on increasing equity and expanding our impact. A revised selection process brought in new reviewers from member engagement, health equity and our grants team. We prioritized schools that had not received prior funding—particularly in rural communities, schools serving students with special needs and areas with high Kern Family Health Care membership. Of the 10 schools selected for the new cycle, seven met at least one of our priority criteria, including schools in Wasco, Shafter, Rosamond, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest and Mojave.
2024 community report I 23 KHS hosted its second Student Summer Externship Program in 2024, continuing our commitment to compassionate care and community impact by investing in the next generation of health care leaders. From the first day to the final farewell luncheon, the program offered Kern County high school and college students realworld experience and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve others through health care. Interest in the program was high, with more than 500 applications submitted from across the county. After a careful selection process, 117 students were invited to interview, and 91 interviewed in person. Each brought a passion for helping others and a desire to improve the health of their community. Ultimately, 41 externs were selected and placed across a range of KHS departments. Whether supporting outreach, assisting with operations or learning the inner workings of managed care, these students brought energy, compassion and a sense of purpose to everything they did. We extend our gratitude to the staff, community partners and advocates who helped make the program a success. With another externship season on the horizon, KHS is proud to continue empowering young minds to become the compassionate, community-centered health leaders of tomorrow. Growing Compassionate Leaders, Building Community Impact
24 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact KHS is committed to building a stronger, healthier future for our members—and that starts with making sure there are enough doctors, nurses, and specialists to care for them. That’s why we’ve invested $10 million to support local educational institutions and health care providers working together to expand our health care workforce. Too many families in Kern County face long wait times just to see a provider. Most of our region is designated as a health professional shortage area and a medically underserved area, highlighting a critical gap in access to care. We hear this need from our members every day, and we are taking action to help close that gap. By investing in homegrown medical talent, we can build a pipeline of skilled professionals who not only understand the unique needs of our community—but are part of it. This initiative helps students explore health care careers early, overcome barriers to education and find real opportunities to serve right here in Kern County. It also expands physician residency slots, strengthening the long-term sustainability of our local healthcare system. Health Care Workforce Expansion
2024 community report I 25 On Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, KFHC proudly hosted its first-ever Winter Wellness Wonderland—a free, family-friendly event that brought together more than 4,000 Kern County residents for an evening of holiday magic and meaningful health connections. Held at our headquarters in Bakersfield, the event was created as a way to give back to the community while encouraging families to prioritize their well-being during the busy holiday season. It was an evening rooted in compassion and driven by impact, bringing essential services and joy to local families in one accessible, welcoming space. The event offered no-cost well-child visits, vaccinations and dozens of community resource booths. Families also enjoyed festive activities including coat giveaways, photos with Santa, holiday train rides, a Christmas tree forest, bounce houses, live student performances and a hands-on Santa’s Workshop. Hot cocoa and cookies rounded out the evening, bringing warmth to a celebration filled with care. KFHC extends heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, community partners, sponsors and local performers who made the evening possible. As a health care organization rooted in community, it was a joyful reminder that compassionate care can happen anywhere—especially when we meet families where they are. Our goal was to encourage our community to prioritize their health and wellness while enjoying an evening of family-friendly activities and holiday cheer,” said Emily Duran, chief executive officer. “Winter Wellness Wonderland was a success, and I am thrilled by the incredible turnout and the positive response from families across Kern County. “ ” Care, Compassion and Community
26 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Our People, Our Purpose At KHS, we believe that compassionate care starts with empowered employees. Working at KHS is more than just a job—it’s a career rooted in service, growth and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of our members and across Kern County. We are proud to foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and trusted. In an ever-changing health care environment, our team thrives because they know they have the resources, recognition and encouragement needed to reach their full potential. Their passion and dedication drive the high-quality outcomes that define KHS and impact KFHC. As part of our commitment to compassionate care and community impact, we invest in our employees through outstanding benefits, career development opportunities and a culture of belonging. Every member of our team plays a vital role in advancing our mission—and we are proud to support them at every step of their journey. Community Impact Our Employees
2024 community report I 27 As of the end of 2024, KHS employed 713 team members, with 196 new hires added throughout the year— including 41 interns through local talent initiatives. Our workforce reflects the vibrant diversity of Kern County, with more than 70 percent of new hires identifying as Hispanic or Latino and nearly 75 percent identifying as women. This diversity strengthens our ability to serve members with cultural sensitivity and language accessibility across communities. Workforce Snapshot
28 I Compassionate Care, Community Impact Compassionate care doesn’t stop at the office doors. Our employees live out our mission by giving their time, talents and hearts to support the broader Kern County community. In 2024, 357 KHS employees volunteered more than 1,035 hours at nonprofit organizations, food banks, homeless shelters and community events. From lending a hand during times of crisis to showing up for ongoing community needs, our workforce continually steps up to make a difference. KHS volunteers proudly supported organizations including: • Open Door Network Homeless Shelter • Morning Star Fresh Food Ministries • Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) – building supply boxes for seniors • St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bakersfield Employee Volunteers: Our Compassionate Impact Our teams also participated in community events such as “Teaming Up Against Cancer,” raising awareness and hope for those impacted by cancer, and mobilized quickly to support families during the Shirley Lane water crisis. At KHS, giving back is more than a tradition—it’s part of who we are. Through every volunteer hour, our employees extend compassion, strengthen community ties and demonstrate the true meaning of care.
” to drive community impact! Delivering compassionate care, “
2024 I community report
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTI0MzU=