CHC Director Galloway-Gillam Passes; Visionary for Health Equity

LGG_Headshot(cropped)The founder and Executive Director of the Community Health Council, Lark Gallloway-Gillam has died, leaving an organization and a legacy affecting the entire community of Los Angeles.

From the CHC – “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our founder, visionary, and Executive Director, Lark Galloway-Gilliam passed away this week following complications from a long-fought illness. Lark was more than our colleague — she was our loving sister, mother, aunt, friend, and mentor. Her successes were our successes; her struggles were our struggles. She fought and faced her illness with courage and hope.

ark Galloway-Gilliam is one of the “rare” native Angelenos, born and raised in LA, living her whole life in the West Adams/Leimert Park area. Lark’s interests in planning come from her experience of living for over 60 years in the City, watching it evolve and change, as “ . . . a person of color, experiencing the inequity of land use standards that the City has allowed . . .” Professionally, she has worked around land use policy “. . . as a way of providing access to healthy nutritional resources, the physical environment as a place to support physical activity through complete street design . . . ” Having served on a neighborhood council, these are the issues people in the community have raised to her.

Starting off in hospital administration, Lark later worked in the job/employment development field, specifically with people with disabilities. She then transitioned into her current position, working on health policy to improve both access to health care and the environment in which people live.

– See more at: http://recode.la/stay-informed/news/relark-galloway-gilliam#sthash.K4k0Sqkr.dpuf

ark Galloway-Gilliam is one of the “rare” native Angelenos, born and raised in LA, living her whole life in the West Adams/Leimert Park area. Lark’s interests in planning come from her experience of living for over 60 years in the City, watching it evolve and change, as “ . . . a person of color, experiencing the inequity of land use standards that the City has allowed . . .” Professionally, she has worked around land use policy “. . . as a way of providing access to healthy nutritional resources, the physical environment as a place to support physical activity through complete street design . . . ” Having served on a neighborhood council, these are the issues people in the community have raised to her.

Starting off in hospital administration, Lark later worked in the job/employment development field, specifically with people with disabilities. She then transitioned into her current position, working on health policy to improve both access to health care and the environment in which people live.

– See more at: http://recode.la/stay-informed/news/relark-galloway-gilliam#sthash.K4k0Sqkr.dpuWhile we mourn the loss of a wonderful woman, we also celebrate Lark’s remarkable life and her work in advancing the cause of health equity, which serve as examples to people everywhere who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.

Lark was a hero who fought for the underserved not only in Los Angeles and California, but across this country. She served as an innovative thinker in the public administration and non-profit sectors for more than 25 years, founding Los Angeles-based Community Health Councils, Inc. in 1992.

As Executive Director, Lark grew Community Health Councils into an influential advocacy organization that led efforts to eliminate disparities in health by expanding coverage, improving access to quality healthcare in underserved communities, increasing access to healthy and affordable foods, and improving the environment in areas with inadequate resources for healthy and active living.

Lark received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Masters in Public Administration at USC. She is the chair of the National REACH Coalition, a member of the Advancing the Movement Advisory Committee, and a former Durfee Foundation Sabbatical Awardee. Lark dedicated her life to social justice.

The entire CHC board and staff are steadfast in their commitment to preserving and expanding upon Lark’s legacy and passion. CHC will continue to build upon Lark’s legacy by effectively advocating for and serving South Los Angeles and other vulnerable communities for decades to come.”

A public memorial will be held to celebrate Lark’s life and to recognize her endless contributions to our community. More details about this special event will be forthcoming soon and will appear on our website at chc-inc.org

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