Research & Insights

We conduct independent research that drives better health outcomes and stronger communities.

Heluna Health conducts original scientific research and program evaluations to deepen understanding of population health in Los Angeles, California, and across the nation. Our work builds the evidence base behind critical public health programs, demonstrates what drives impact, and translates data into action — supporting vulnerable communities, improving resilience, and guiding policies that advance health for all.

Research Issue Areas

Maternal Health

Climate & Environmental Health

Emergency Preparedness & Outbreak Response

Nutrition Education & Food Access

Maternal Health

We conduct research that advances healthier pregnancies and improves outcomes for parents and infants. Our work includes studies on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), helping identify strategies that enhance maternal nutrition and infant health. We also evaluate dietary interventions that support healthy pregnancies and explore how climate and environmental stressors — such as extreme heat and air pollution — impact maternal wellbeing.

Celebrating 10 Years of CinnaMoms!

Impact story, Maternal Health

25 Sep 2025

Data Brief: Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Health Risks – Identifying areas with high heat impacts and low NICU access

Climate & Environmental Health, Data Brief, Maternal Health, Research

19 Sep 2025

Protecting Moms and Babies from Extreme Heat

Climate & Environmental Health, Impact story, Maternal Health, Research

9 Sep 2025

Climate & Environmental Health

We investigate how environmental exposures affect health and the behavioral factors that can reduce those risks. Our research examines the impacts of wildfire smoke, extreme heat, air pollution, and other climate-related hazards on communities, especially those most vulnerable. Through surveys and data analysis, we assess preparedness for severe weather events and explore attitudes toward climate-friendly diet changes that can support both human and planetary health.

Study Finds Health Beliefs Strongly Influence How Americans Protect Themselves from Extreme Heat

Climate & Environmental Health, Press Release, Research

31 Oct 2025

Data Brief: Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Health Risks – Identifying areas with high heat impacts and low NICU access

Climate & Environmental Health, Data Brief, Maternal Health, Research

19 Sep 2025

Protecting Moms and Babies from Extreme Heat

Climate & Environmental Health, Impact story, Maternal Health, Research

9 Sep 2025

Nutrition Education & Food Access

We research and evaluate programs that improve nutrition and food security for families and communities. Our studies include WIC-based initiatives designed to support healthy pregnancies and infant growth, as well as dietary interventions that promote long-term health. We also develop and assess strategies for increasing access to nutritious foods and encouraging climate-friendly diets that advance both equity and sustainability.

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Moves to Address WIC Underutilization with Unanimous Vote

Nutrition Education and Food Access, Press Release

11 Dec 2025

PHFE WIC Selected as One of Eight Healthy Eating Research Grantees

Impact story, Nutrition Education and Food Access

3 Dec 2025

Fourth Trimester Podcast: What The Research Says About Vitamin D & Your Baby’s Health with Celeste Beck PhD

In The News, Maternal Health, Nutrition Education and Food Access, Research

29 Apr 2025

Emergency Preparedness & Outbreak Response

We help strengthen resilience to public health emergencies through data-driven insights and tools. Our Center for Outbreak Preparedness Insights developed the Community Outbreak Preparedness Resources index to assess readiness among local health jurisdictions across Western states. Findings from this work are shared through data briefs and peer-reviewed publications to guide better planning and response strategies.