Strengthening Local Health Ecosystems: Social Impact Forum Takeaways and Resources
On July 31, 2025 the Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco hosted a Social Impact Forum to begin addressing a pressing question: How do we strengthen our local health ecosystems in a time of increasing natural disasters, growing needs, and a decrease in vital resources?
MedCycle Network was honored to be part of this important conversation with three of our partner organizers working to build a more just, resilient, and sustainable local health ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and online. Below are key takeaways, links to helpful resources, and meaningful opportunities to get involved locally.
You can watch the Commonwealth Club video recording or listen to the audio podcast.
Time to Collaborate
From climate-driven disasters to an increased reliance on safety net healthcare, our communities are navigating intersecting challenges.
"The polycrisis we are facing requires us to build polysolutions. Collaboration is no longer an option, it's essential." — Eric Talbert, CEO & Co-Founder, MedCycle Network
Resources for Climate-Ready Healthcare
UCSF Sustainability Health is leading the way with climate resilience toolkits for hospitals and health systems across California. These practical guides are designed to help institutions prepare for and adapt to climate-driven disruptions in care.
"We created a toolkit that acts like a blueprint for health centers to become more climate resilient—with checklists, org charts, and planning protocols. It’s about triaging climate events the same way we would an earthquake or tsunami." — Isabel Navarrete, Sustainability Analyst, UCSF Health
Explore their free, public resources:
UCSF Health Climate Resilience Emergency Management Integration Toolkit (PDF)
UCSF Health Sustainability Hub
Sign up for the UCSF Health Sustainability Newsletter
Explore all UC Health Climate Resilience Toolkits
These are living resources—made stronger when local organizations put them into action. We encourage all clinics, hospital partners, and public health agencies to review, share, and adopt what’s useful.
Need Care or Want to Help?
The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC ) and The Alameda Health Consortium provide centralized ways to find a clinic or volunteer locally. Whether you're seeking care or want to give back, these networks can help you connect with trusted providers in your community.
"Every day, we meet patients who are afraid—afraid that seeking care could put their immigration status at risk. Our goal is to create a space where they feel safe, seen, and cared for without fear." — Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson, Executive Director, Clinic by the Bay
Local Action: Get Involved Today
When we talk about strengthening health ecosystems systems, we don’t mean theory—we mean action. Below are just a few of the incredible local organizations highlighted at the panel and how you can connect with them:
Volunteer at and/or Donate to Clinic by the Bay, their mission is to understand and serve, with dignity and respect, the health wellness needs of the medically underserved in the San Francisco Bay Area. Clinic by the Bay Volunteer Application
Donate to or Partner with MedCycle Network, we turn surplus medical supplies into access to care, with every $1 donated saving clinics over $3 in operating costs.
Donate to San Francisco Public Press, sign up for their newsletter, they are a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization that publishes independent public-interest journalism about under-covered topics, with a focus on historically under-served audiences. To join Lila LaHood and team on September 30 at The Roxie for a screening of a documentary about older adults and homelessness, to be followed by a panel discussion, click here.
Start Fundraising or Donate via Every.org, From Crypto to gift cards, they simplify online giving for nonprofits and donors in order to accelerate social impact around the world. Check out their Fundraising Playbook.
"Technology should make giving easier. That’s what we’re doing at Every.org — helping even the smallest orgs access support by making fundraising seamless and accessible." — Jiwon Min, CTO, Every.org
Connect and Share
LinkedIn: MedCycle Network, UCSF Health Sustainability, San Francisco Public Press, Clinic by the Bay, Every.org
Facebook: UCSF Health, San Francisco Public Press, Clinic by the Bay, Every.org
Instagram: UCSF Health, San Francisco Public Press, Clinic by the Bay, Every.org
X: UCSF Health, San Francisco Public Press, Clinic by the Bay, Every.org
YouTube: UCSF Health, San Francisco Public Press, Clinic by the Bay
Why This Work Matters
MedCycle Network builds partnerships to connect generous donors and health systems with the real-time needs of local clinics that serve our most vulnerable neighbors.
Because of your support, we’ve already redistributed over $1.6 million in essential supplies — and we’re just getting started, thank you!
A Final Word: We All Have a Role
Whether you’re a donor, a provider, a policymaker, or simply a caring neighbor—there’s a place for you in this movement. Let’s build a more equitable and resilient health ecosystem, together.
"Everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager. It's time we all step up as villagers and show up for our communities." — Isabel Navarrete, Sustainability Analyst, UCSF Health
Join Us:
Partner with MedCycle Network today: www.medcyclenetwork.org