The documentary on women’s health disparities and community-driven solutions across Orange County debuts Sept. 28 on KLCS-PBS.
IRVINE, Calif. (September 23, 2026) — The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit, are thrilled to announce the broadcast premiere of “Women’s Health Drives Community Health,” on KLCS-PBS on Monday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. PST. The fifth episode in their six-part “The Power of Community” series, the program examines the health challenges Orange County women in underserved communities face at every stage of life, and the innovative, culturally responsive programs working to close the gap.
Program highlights include:
- Understanding the disparities: Dr. Shaista Malik, Founding Associate Vice Chancellor for Integrative Health at the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, examines why Latinas in Orange County experience disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes, pointing to socioeconomic status as “the dominant driver” of these gaps. Dr. Allyson Brooks, Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair of the Women’s Health Institute at Hoag, speaks to the systemic inequities, including racism, behind worse maternal health outcomes.
- Three critical life stages: The episode traces how health disparities show up differently across a woman’s life: new mothers navigating breastfeeding and postpartum mental health, women in midlife juggling caregiving for both children and aging parents, and older adults facing rising dementia risk.
- Programs making a difference: A look at how local organizations are meeting women where they are, including Hoag’s Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living and the Hoag On Demand telehealth service; the UC Irvine Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s culturally appropriate care for underserved Latinx women; MOMS Orange County’s home visitation programs, which serve 2,500 clients annually in the Latinx and Vietnamese communities; and BreastfeedLA’s community-driven support systems for new mothers.
Throughout the episode, physicians, nonprofit leaders and community advocates illustrate how listening to the voices of those affected and tailoring programs to meet their specific needs are key to building a healthier, more equitable Orange County.
“In Orange County, women’s health is a bellwether for the well-being of the entire community,” said Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “By addressing the causes of health disparities and implementing innovative, culturally sensitive programs, we can foster a healthier, more equitable future for all. When women thrive, the entire community benefits.”
Previous episodes in “The Power of Community” six-part series include:
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- “Child and Youth Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic”: Examining startling local data, highlights real-world solutions in action, and presents heartfelt stories of resilience and healing from local youth and families tackling mental health issues.
- “Earn & Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy”: Exploring the intersection of education and economic innovation, spotlighting programs that equip youth and young adults with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
- “Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond”: Focusing on opening pathways and bridging gaps to higher-education success in underserved communities, especially among first-generation college students.
- “Protect & Preserve: Orange County’s Unique Ecosystems“: Exploring the region’s natural landscape, the critical environmental challenges and community-led solutions shaping the future of Orange County’s land and water.
The sixth and final episode, “Building Bridges: Connection, Community, Humanity,” will explore efforts to foster belonging and connection across Orange County’s diverse communities, highlighting initiatives working to overcome divisions and resolve conflicts through re-entry, restorative justice, and “long-bridging” programs that deepen understanding and strengthen community bonds.
OCCF and OC World invite everyone to explore “The Power of Community,” a series that promises to inspire change and elevate the voices of those making a difference. By sharing stories of perseverance and promise, this series serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, encouraging audiences to connect with local efforts that are making a meaningful and lasting difference.
For more information on “The Power of Community” series, please visit oc-cf.org/power-of-community.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) transforms our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good by working with local donors and nonprofit partners as an expert advisor and innovator. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. OCCF’s Vision 2030, a five-year strategic plan, is designed to amplify giving and support donors’ philanthropic goals as well as address critical needs in Orange County. Since 1989, OCCF has granted more than $1.25 billion in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2025 annual report here.
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Media Contact
Lisa Liddane
lliddane@cornerstonecomms.com
(714) 656-5002
