Latino, Black, and Pacific Islander communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Blue Shield of California remains committed to supporting underserved communities and those that are disproportionately impacted. “We will never stop — working together, partnering with others — to drive for health equity for everyone,” says Kimberley Goode, Senior Vice President External Affairs at Blue Shield.
By forging deep and lasting partnerships with community organizations that serve at-risk communities we can deepen our impact. Wellnest Emotional Health and Wellness, based in Los Angeles has supported thousands of people through the pandemic.
Wellnest Emotional Health and Wellness provides mental health services to children and youth up to age 25 each year in Los Angeles, with a focus on social determinants, especially education, housing, and employment. Our video conversation with Charlene Dimas-Peinado includes images from a community mural project that Blue Shield supported.
The program shares our values of supporting health equity, promoting youth mental health, and creating a healthcare system worthy of our friends and family. “When you have big, lofty, ambitious goals like we do, it takes the entire community to come together to make those things come true,” says Kimberley Goode. Watch these videos to learn more about our partnership and the work of these organizations.