NAACP California Hawaii backs Prop 38 medical research initiative

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference has endorsed Prop 38, a November California ballot measure that would direct $8.4 billion toward immunology research, competitive grants and a new statewide institute. Backers say the plan could accelerate treatments and cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other diseases while building stronger accountability into research funding.

Why it matters: - The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference’s endorsement expands the Prop 38 coalition and adds a major civil rights voice to a ballot measure focused on medical research funding. - Supporters say the measure could help close disparities in diseases that hit Black Californians and other underserved communities harder, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. - The initiative is being pitched as a stable funding source at a time when federal research cuts and uncertainty could slow clinical trials and future breakthroughs.

What happened: - The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference announced support for Prop 38, the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative, on California’s November ballot. - Dr. Rick L. Callender, president of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference, said the measure offers hope by helping develop cures for diabetes, cancer and heart disease that disproportionately affect African Americans. - The announcement places the organization alongside a growing YES on Prop 38 coalition of patient advocates, health organizations, doctors, nurses, scientists and community leaders.

The details: - Prop 38 would direct $8.4 billion to immunology medical research. - Half of the money would fund competitive grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions. - The other half would support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California. - The institute would bring together scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. - The California Department of Public Health would select an eligible institute under strict criteria. - The measure requires collaboration among grantees so discoveries and best practices can move across institutions. - Black Californians face higher cancer mortality rates than White Californians, according to an American Cancer Society analysis of California cancer data: 16% higher among Black men and 10% higher among Black women. - Immunotherapies use the body’s immune system to recognize and stop disease. - Existing immunotherapies have already helped save and extend lives for patients with melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - Prop 38 is designed to pay for itself through licensing revenue. - Ten percent of proceeds from licensing immunotherapies would be returned to California to offset the measure’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under the measure would be provided to California patients at a 20% discount. - The measure includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - Prop 38 requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - The coalition backing the measure also includes California Black Health Network, Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement, California Human Development, Comité de Acción del Valle, Latino Diabetes Association, Social Equity LA, The Wall Las Memorias, Via Care Community Health Center, Alzheimer’s Association/AIM, ALS Association, Blood Cancer United, City of Hope, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. - Yes on Prop 38 directs readers to learn more about the coalition and supporters.

Between the lines: - The NAACP endorsement signals that Prop 38 is being framed not just as a science funding measure, but as a health equity issue. - The design of the proposal blends research grants with an institute model, suggesting backers want both broad academic competition and a centralized hub for translating discoveries into treatments. - The accountability rules appear aimed at addressing skepticism about large public research investments by limiting overhead and requiring financial transparency.

What's next: - Prop 38 will go before California voters on the November ballot. - Supporters are expected to continue building the YES on Prop 38 coalition ahead of the election. - If approved, the measure would establish the funding structure, institute selection process and grant program outlined in the initiative.

The bottom line: - Prop 38 is being sold as a long-term bet on immunology research, with advocates arguing it could speed cures while widening access for communities most affected by serious disease.