Some say it is a case of Car Brain, others say it is just Dementia. Whatever the diagnosis, we need to help UCLA Health to find its voice again (Aphonia), and to support their staff as they demand safer and healthier roadways to access locations in Westwood and Santa Monica.
The good news is, Los Angeles is embarking on improvements to Westwood Blvd and Ohio Avenue. Exactly what the doctor ordered, and a very long time in the making. Yes, take the survey for each of these. And then some: Then help the hospital leadership to be part of this Community Engagement and to support these projects from the Executive Suite.
A group of more than twelve UCLA HEALTH MDs have come together to help the folks in the executive suite to support Safety and Mobility around our hospitals. They created a draft for CEO Spisso to support this project. You too want to see the executive suite speaking out for healthy transportation around the hospitals? Well, let Johnese Spisso jspisso@mednet.ucla.edu know, and copy velocipedus@gmail.com so we can keep track of the numbers!
DRAFT OF SUPPORT LETTER BY CEO of UCLA HEALTH
ladot.active@lacity.org, matthews.cribioli@lacity.org, jarrett.thompson@lacity.org, councilmember.Yaroslavsky@lacity.org
Dear Los Angeles Department of Transportation
UCLA Health provides healthcare services to a large number of residents in West LA. We employ more than 5000 in the Westwood area. We are aware of the Safety and Mobility Project for Westwood Blvd and Ohio Avenue. We strongly support both projects to make our neighborhood safer and more efficient for those who get around by walking, taking the bus, or other forms of active transport. Many of our students, staff and patients will benefit from these local improvements, which will also yield important public health benefits through improved air quality, increased use of active modes, fewer accidents and emergency room visits.
The project also aligns well with the work of our rideshare coordinator. This office promotes sustainable commuting and manages programs that support our staff in choosing healthier, low-emission transportation options. A good number of our residents and doctors see patients in Westwood and Santa Monica. The proposed improvements will go a long way towards the UCLA HEALTH Bicycle Corridor plan presented in 2019 and will allow our staff to choose active modes when going back and forth between these locations.
We support both project enthusiatically and look forward to see them implemented
