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Last week, a team of more than 70 Blue Shield of California volunteers joined forces with Keep Oakland Beautiful and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland. The group planted 85 trees as part of the Community Greening Program, which aims to plant 2,000 trees in East Oakland over three years.
“Today’s tree planting is more than just about adding greenery to the landscape. It’s about Blue Shield’s commitment to help improve our Oakland community, where our company is headquartered, while also advancing health equity and promoting environmental sustainability,” said Ricquel Jackson, a Blue Shield employee, board member of Keep Oakland Beautiful and proud Oakland resident. “Trees are health care. They help improve mental and physical health, combat climate change and pollution, and build community.”
The tree planting event took place near Arrowhead Marsh, a location known for its natural beauty and ecological significance. Volunteers spent the morning digging, planting and ensuring that each tree was securely in place.
“One of the reasons that I joined Blue Shield is because of its strong commitment to create a more sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare system,” said Mike Tonsing, senior director of product strategy at Blue Shield and member of the company’s “Blue Goes Green” volunteer initiative. “I’m really proud to be among this group of Blue Shield colleagues, showing up in such full force to make a difference. We’re taking action that reinforces that healthy communities and a healthy environment go hand in hand.”
Echoing those sentiments, Antoinette Mayer, Blue Shield of California vice president of Corporate Citizenship, said, “This event is just one example of how Blue Shield of California is actively contributing to local communities and addressing larger environmental challenges. We have committed to multiple sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, promoting environmental health and building resilient communities. By collaborating with community-based organizations like Keep Oakland Beautiful, we’re building a better future for Oakland and beyond.”
To learn more about Blue Shield of California’s sustainability efforts and the impact of our environmental programs, visit our “Climate Care is Health Care” fact sheet.