The holidays represent a time of gratitude, generosity, and gathering. For many, however, they represent a greater challenge, underscoring food insecurity, financial strain, and a lack of essential items. During the winter holiday season, Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans are supporting more than 100 community organizations dedicated to addressing these challenges across California.
“We’re proud to support community organizations that are increasing access to food, essential items, and flu and COVID-19 vaccines for more than 90,000 California families in need,” said Kristen Cerf, chief executive officer at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “We always want to make a difference in our communities, and by joining with local organizations, we are doing that this holiday season.”
In San Diego and Los Angeles counties, where Blue Shield Promise serves more than 450,000 Medi-Cal members, the nonprofit health plan is assisting 70 organizations to support local underrepresented youth, seniors, and families struggling with homelessness, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty.
Two of these efforts are being hosted by the YMCA of San Diego County and the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego and will provide more than 3,000 local underrepresented youth and their families with food, toys, and gifts at multiple events.
In Los Angeles County, Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care health plans’ Community Resource Centers (CRC) are hosting 25 events, serving thousands of individuals and families. Some events are providing food, turkey vouchers, grocery store gift cards, winter clothing essentials, baby blankets, hygiene products, diapers, and toys in cooperation with organizations across the county. The CRC in Palmdale held a winter clothing giveaway to ensure that local families have new coats, scarves, and hats as temperatures drop. This and other events also provided free flu and COVID vaccines and boosters for local residents.
“The holidays are meant to be a wonderful time for our children. But we must recognize the emotional toll it can take on families and our youth who lack basic resources,” said David Bond, director of Behavioral Health Services at Blue Shield of California. “By supporting organizations that work hard to improve the health and well-being of our communities, we bring joy to children and families and reinforce that there is a strong support network here to help with their physical and mental well-being.”
This year, contributions to local organizations ranged from community health clinics and health care providers, local non-profits and community-based organizations, youth support groups, faith-based organizations, and local and state elected officials’ outreach efforts.
In addition to the support provided across San Diego and Los Angeles counties, more than 30 similar events were supported by Blue Shield of California in the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire.
Through vast community projects and sponsorships like these, Blue Shield and Blue Shield Promise work to fulfill their missions to provide quality health care for all Californians. For more information, please visit promisenews.blueshieldca.com.
“The holidays are meant to be a wonderful time for our children. But we must recognize the emotional toll it can take on families and our youth who lack basic resources,” said David Bond, director of Behavioral Health Services at Blue Shield of California. “By supporting organizations that work hard to improve the health and well-being of our communities, we bring joy to children and families and reinforce that there is a strong support network here to help with their physical and mental well-being.”
This year, contributions to local organizations ranged from community health clinics and health care providers, local non-profits and community-based organizations, youth support groups, faith-based organizations, and local and state elected officials’ outreach efforts.
In addition to the support provided across San Diego and Los Angeles counties, more than 30 similar events were supported by Blue Shield of California in the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire.
Through vast community projects and sponsorships like these, Blue Shield and Blue Shield Promise work to fulfill their missions to provide quality health care for all Californians. For more information, please visit promisenews.blueshieldca.com.