"Invest in women and girls in your communities and your communities will get better." That, says Barbara J. Mosacchio, CEO of The Atlanta Women's Foundation, is the key to improving communities around the country.

A recipient of multiple Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit grants since 2004, The Atlanta Women's Foundation [...]]]> "Invest in women and girls in your communities and your communities will get better." That, says Barbara J. Mosacchio, CEO of The Atlanta Women's Foundation, is the key to improving communities around the country.

A recipient of multiple Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit grants since 2004, The Atlanta Women's Foundation (AWF) is the only public foundation in Georgia that exclusively funds organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls across Atlanta. Foundation-funded organizations cover everything from homeless shelters and health clinics to support for low-wage earners and domestic violence survivors.

Why women and girls?

The reasons for AWF's focus are many:

• 43 percent of female-headed households in Atlanta with one child have an income below the minimum budget needed for a family of that size. 61 percent of single women with two children earn below this level. (Status of Women in Atlanta: A Survey of Economic, Demographic, and Social Indicators for the 15 County Area, May 2007)
• Georgia has the eighth highest teen birth rate in the nation. The poverty rate for children born to teen mothers who have never married and have not graduated from high school is 78 percent. (Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count 2008)
• The graduation rate for females in the state of Georgia is just 63.8 percent. (Diplomas Count 2008)

By reducing barriers to health care, education, personal development, and economic growth, the Foundation is helping women and girls "break the generational cycle of poverty."

Barbara Mosacchio says, "The Foundation is making a difference in the lives of women and girls in Atlanta, and no matter where you are, investing in the lives of women and girls is a great idea."

See how this model for social change is making a difference.

Did you know that infants—6 months and younger—cannot be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu? That’s why their caregivers should be vaccinated to protect them.

Learn who should be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu.

Since the beginnings of the environmental movement in the early 1960s, we’ve been dedicated to "greening" our organization and helping others do the same.

Our Modesto Medical Center, which opened last fall, is one example of our effort to be environmentally conscious. Nationally recognized as one of the "greenest" health care [...]]]>

Since the beginnings of the environmental movement in the early 1960s, we’ve been dedicated to "greening" our organization and helping others do the same.

Our Modesto Medical Center, which opened last fall, is one example of our effort to be environmentally conscious. Nationally recognized as one of the "greenest" health care facilities in North America, this 670,000-square-foot facility—situated amid farms and orchards—features materials that reduce energy use as well as earth-friendly furnishings and fixtures.

Other green features include:

• Strategically designed windows and skylights that maximize natural sunlight, which also promotes better health.
• Our fully functioning electronic health record, which eliminates the need for paper files.
• Permeable paving in the parking area, which filters rainwater and prevents runoff into sewers.
• Rubber flooring that doesn’t release toxins or require harsh chemicals to maintain.
• Rooftop solar panels that generate enough electricity to power 50 homes.

Watch the video and take a tour of the Modesto Medical Center.

Much like a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, Preston Maring, MD, is on a mission—a mission to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to more people across the country.

Dr. Maring's quest began back in 2003 with the founding of the first Kaiser Permanente farmers' market: the Friday Fresh Market at our Oakland Medical [...]]]> Much like a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, Preston Maring, MD, is on a mission—a mission to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to more people across the country.

Dr. Maring's quest began back in 2003 with the founding of the first Kaiser Permanente farmers' market: the Friday Fresh Market at our Oakland Medical Center. Since then, he has helped establish over 30 farmers' markets at Kaiser Permanente facilities across our regions.

Recently, the National Park Service honored Dr. Maring with the 2009 World War II Home Front Award for promoting the role of fresh produce in preventive medicine—and for recognizing farming as a community effort.

The award was presented during the Richmond, California, annual Home Front Festival on October 3. The theme of the festival was "We grow when we come together," highlighting victory and community gardens past and present.

Dr. Maring is an unabashed champion of his cause—advocating the value of locally grown produce through his television appearances and sharing healthy recipes on his blog. He also recently authored the introduction to EatingWell in Season: A Farmers' Market Cookbook, published by EatingWell magazine.

Dr. Maring is an Ob/Gyn physician with nearly 40 years of experience. He continues in a long line of Kaiser Permanente practitioners who have promoted healthy diets and communities through innovative means. To learn more about the history of Kaiser Permanente, visit our history blog.

To find a Kaiser Permanente farmers' market near you, check out our interactive map.

To discover some fresh new recipes, visit Dr. Maring's blog. From Moroccan Tomato Soup to the Quarterpounder Revisited, you'll find all sorts of delicious creations.

Did you know that a 20-percent reduction in meat consumption could save as much energy as if everyone in the country drove a hybrid?

By taking a break from meat one day a week, you can make a positive impact on our planet, and maybe improve your health while you're at [...]]]> Did you know that a 20-percent reduction in meat consumption could save as much energy as if everyone in the country drove a hybrid?

By taking a break from meat one day a week, you can make a positive impact on our planet, and maybe improve your health while you're at it.

This is just one simple thing you can do to help the environment.

Explore easy ways to "go green" at home.

It’s easy to do your part to help the environment. Kaiser Permanente’s green guru Kathy Gerwig tells how to make inexpensive cleaning supplies and gives unique tips on staying healthy and supporting the planet.

Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

Buying locally produced fruits and vegetables saves energy by reducing the amount of fossil fuels needed to transport the items [...]]]> Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

Buying locally produced fruits and vegetables saves energy by reducing the amount of fossil fuels needed to transport the items around the globe. Additionally, the food is fresher and tastier. For example, in 2007, we bought 60 tons of locally grown, sustainable farmed produce for our hospital meals. We also sponsor 30 farmers’ markets at our facilities around the country.

Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

While shopping, if you buy only a few products, don’t take a bag. For larger quantities, bring your own reusable [...]]]> Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

While shopping, if you buy only a few products, don’t take a bag. For larger quantities, bring your own reusable bags.

Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

Using ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar, you can make inexpensive and nontoxic cleaning products that work. Additionally, [...]]]> Improving your health can start at home. Our Kaiser Permanente environmental experts have put together a list of simple “green” steps to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

Using ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar, you can make inexpensive and nontoxic cleaning products that work. Additionally, you save money and improve indoor air quality.