Contact:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Karen Maiorca
(818) 955-6500
karenm@kurkachildrenshealthfund.org
https://www.kurkachildrenshealthfund.org/
The Kurka Children’s Health Fund is dedicated to ensuring that the most vulnerable children and youth in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are healthy and ready to learn, empowering them to succeed in school and beyond. Established in 1956 by Kathryn L. Kurka, a WWII nurse who served as an LAUSD nurse after the war and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) in 1987, Kurka has impacted the lives of countless LAUSD children through its nearly 60 years of service.
Currently, LAUSD students face significant health challenges, including high levels of poverty, barriers to healthcare access, overburdened school health resources and widespread socioeconomic disadvantages. Despite having Medi-Cal, many students lack timely access to healthcare due to long wait times for appointments.
Kurka bridges this gap by working directly with LAUSD nurses to identify children’s needs and ensure they receive essential medical services like immunizations, basic dental care, and even second pairs of glasses that insurance does not cover.
The Fund is administered by a Board of Directors comprised of LAUSD retired school nurses, LAUSD retired school personnel, and school nursing and medical personnel. Funds are used exclusively for vision, dental, and medical services for LAUSD students, clinics, and other service providers for LAUSD students.
Vulnerable children and youth in the LAUSD
Students facing high levels of poverty and barriers to healthcare access.
Children needing timely access to medical services.
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Providing dental kits and promoting dental hygiene and health to address the lack of dental care access.
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Providing second pairs of glasses that insurance does not cover.
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Delivering resources during school health emergencies.
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Working directly with LAUSD nurses to identify children's needs and offering continuing education aligned with best practices.