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loween this year with a special Trunk-Or-Treat in San Bernardino. The second annual Trunk-Or-Treat event is the result of a partnership between Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL) and will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 5-8 p.m. at the SCRS-IL’s San Bernardino office at 1950 S. Sunwest Lane. “This is the only Inland Empire event serving our disabled community in the month of October,” said SCRS-IL Chief Executive Officer Rudy Contreras, who organized the inaugural Trunk-Or-Treat in just 30 days last year after learning the community needed a Halloween activity for children with disabilities during the pandemic.  The Trunk-Or-Treat will feature carnival games, candy, accessible spooky mazes, snacks, refreshments, community resources and a vaccine clinic.  “Last year’s event was a reopening of inclusivity, and this year, we’re building on that with more sponsors, games, prizes, booths and even more community,” added Contreras. “With partners like IEHP, we’re able to make that happen and create safe, inclusive spaces that celebrate the diversity of our community.” Attendees who receive a vaccine at the event will receive a free cooler or beach chair, and IEHP members ages 6 and older who receive their first vaccine will be given a $50 gift card. Grocery boxes will also be provided to the first 150 families in attendance. “When community partners and organizations come together and support the needs of our neighbors and communities, we move one step closer to ensuring vibrant health to those we serve,” said IEHP Independent Living and Diversity Services Community Health Representative Jose Solorzano. “It doesn’t get any better than that.” For more information, visit https://www.scrs-ilc.org/trunkortreat.  

helping to enhance access to testing in the region. Distributions were organized through the health plan’s Community Resource Centers in Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville. In addition to the state’s on-going effort to provide tests to Medi-Cal Members through Medi-Cal enrolled pharmacies, IEHP was eager to provide additional testing access by purchasing and distributing tests directly to their Membership. Members received two test kits per family, which includes a total of four antigen tests. Earlier this year, at the height of the Omicron variant’s surge, rapid COVID-19 testing opportunities were in high demand while the supply was very limited.  “Access to testing is essential to community health,” said Dr. Gabriel Uribe, IEHP’s Community Health Director. “Having access to COVID-19 testing reduces transmission in our region by helping residents make informed decisions about their health. Knowing whether or not you are positive for COVID-19 can make all the difference in the lives of your friends and family.” Tests distributed by the health plan are not PCR tests and are not acceptable for travel or events, but can be used for quick results. While only IEHP Members were eligible to receive COVID-19 tests through the health plan, Non-Members are encouraged to visit Riverside or San Bernardino County’s websites for test kit distribution locations.   IEHP is also reminding Members that in-home COVID-19 test kits purchased between 3/11/21 and 1/31/22 can be reimbursed with a receipt using the DHCS claims process. “Providing our Members access to quality tests, care and support remains our largest priority,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “As a community-based health plan, we are actively looking for new and innovative ways to fulfill our mission to heal and inspire spirit and will continue to do so, even in the face of this uncertain pandemic.”   Upcoming distributions are scheduled for Tuesday, February 15 at all IEHP Community Resource Centers from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Visit IEHP’s Facebook page for details.  

ren (ages 5-11) against COVID-19 as cases continue to surge across the state. The health plan is supporting access to the vaccine for Inland Empire families through sponsorships of child-friendly vaccine clinics across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Members who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine are also eligible to receive a free $50 gift card at IEHP-sponsored clinics listed on the health plan’s website. IEHP is also providing fact-based information for parents and guardians on their website and across the plan’s social media accounts. “IEHP is joining forces with several partners to ensure the community has access to vaccines and clinical information to stay healthy,” said Dr. Priya Batra, IEHP’s Senior Medical Director for Family and Community Health. “Vaccinating children who are eligible can protect unvaccinated younger siblings and family Members who are vulnerable to COVID-19. The risk of hospitalization and health complications is greatly reduced in children who are vaccinated.”  According to the CDC, the approved complete Pfizer dose for children aged 5-11 is 20 micrograms (a third of the 60 micrograms for adults) – administered at 10 micrograms per dose 21 days apart – and has undergone rigorous testing to prove it is safe and effective.  “It’s no secret the vaccine is effective in dramatically reducing contraction of COVID-19 and symptoms requiring hospitalization,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “Providing our children that protection is essential, especially as our communities continue to open and try to return to normal operations. Vaccinating children will encourage and allow the safe return of all our children’s favorite sporting activities, play dates, school functions and more.”  Click here to learn more about where to receive COVID-19 vaccines for you and your child.   

iverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation’s (RMCCF) 2022 HERO Business of the Year Award at its annual fundraiser Aug. 18. RMCCF also recognized IEHP Community Partnerships Manager LuAnna Jauregui with a HERO Award for outstanding cooperation and capturing the spirit of being a true hero.  The HERO Program annual awards recognize organizations and individuals who demonstrate leadership and exceptional efforts in supporting and promoting kindness, empathy and inclusion within the community. For the last four years, IEHP has partnered with the RMCCF and its Anti-Bullying Institute’s programs that help children, parents, schools and youth organizations deal with bullying. “IEHP has been a foundation community partner for many years. They are receiving our 2022 HERO Business of the Year Award because of their generous support for our growing programs,” said RMCCF’s Executive Director Lynda Bailey. “They continue to reach out to us with open communication to assist us in meeting the needs in our community. They make our ‘small but mighty non-profit’ feel heard and supported.” For over 25 years, IEHP has worked tirelessly to “do the right thing” for the Inland Empire community it serves, fostering collaborations that emphasize goodwill and inclusivity.  “IEHP is committed to helping foster a culture where kindness, empathy and inclusion are the rule, not the exception,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “We are honored to receive this award and also proudly congratulate team member, LuAnna Jauregui on the well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts to make a difference in our communities.” Connecting the dots and helping to facilitate the partnership on behalf of IEHP, LuAnna Jauregui has been heavily involved with RMCCF’s bullying prevention efforts, as it holds a special place in her heart.  “Supporting kindness and inclusion in the Inland Empire means more of my neighbors, friends, family and their children have the opportunity to live joyfully,” said Jauregui. “Receiving this recognition from RMCCF is truly an honor and I look forward to our continued work, bringing even more compassion to our region.”    

er place for all?  Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is currently collecting nominations for its 2023 Living the Mission Awards, which will be announced next spring. Nominations can be made until Feb. 15, 2023, by visiting LivingTheMissionAwards.IEHP.org. Categories for the awards include Creativity and Innovation, Vibrant Health, Optimal Care and Inspire.   The Creativity and Innovation Award will honor a provider, entity or community partner that exemplifies the courage to “break the mold” in pursuit of innovative ways to address health concerns for Inland Empire residents. IEHP’s Vibrant Health Award will recognize a provider, entity or community partner that exemplifies engagement with the well-being and joyful life of residents in the Inland Empire.  The health plan’s Optimal Care Award will celebrate a provider or entity that exemplifies world-class care and outcomes in preventive care, chronic care or hospital care. In addition, the Inspire Award will acknowledge a provider, an entity or community partner that exemplifies IEHP’s mission, “We heal and inspire the human spirit.” Earlier this year, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSB) and SAC Health System earned IEHP’s first Living the Mission Awards. This recognition highlighted CAPSB’s dedication to eliminate effects of poverty and SAC Health System’s tireless support and service to residents in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. “The work we do each and every day to fulfill our mission to heal and inspire the human spirit is made possible through the innovative and courageous contributions of our providers and partners,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “We look forward to honoring these groups and continuing our collaborative work to make the Inland Empire a healthier place for all.”   Awards will be announced at IEHP’s annual Mission Conference scheduled for May 5, 2023.  To learn more, visit missionconference.iehp.org.     

ion Officer. In this role, Vinil will provide leadership for the overall information technology architecture, as well as the design, development, implementation, and support of IEHP’s systems. Vinil joins IEHP most recently from Health New England, where he served as the Chief Information and Technology Officer and was responsible for managing a unique portfolio and elevating the role of technology from a supportive function to a strategic partner that played a major part in the growth of the organization.  Vinil also developed and executed an end-to-end operational roadmap for sales, underwriting and accounting. In addition, he rearchitected and streamlined production support and application development operations to bring stability, predictability, and optimizations to the organization. Prior to his role at Health New England, Vinil served as vice president, digital transformation officer at AIG in New York. While in this role, he led a $50M global digital transformation initiative, which included migration and consolidation of digital properties from 140 countries around the world. Vinil holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts and is eager to join IEHP, “I look forward to joining the team and helping fulfill the IEHP mission through collaboration, innovation, and strategic support.  There are no limits to what we can achieve for the members, providers, employees, and community when we work together”. “Vinil will make an excellent addition to the team and we are so excited to bring him on board,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “Vinil’s experience and expertise in the field will support our efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the remarkable work IEHP does every day in an effort to heal and inspire the human spirit.”

irtual tour video of the health plan’s Victorville Community Resource Center.  “Everyone who walks through our door is family,” said Delia Orosco, IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center manager. “Regardless if you’re an IEHP Member or not, your care and your health matter to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our centers soon!” With locations also in Riverside and San Bernardino, Calif., the virtual tour highlights some of the centers’ most popular offerings, including free fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and computer labs.  “The centers conduct education classes on a variety of health and wellness topics,” shared Carmen Ramirez, IEHP’s Community Behavioral Health and Social Supports manager, as she further explained the range of free course topics, from nutrition, diabetes control, managing asthma and stress to general benefit information for Members.  The tour also features an in-depth look at cooking demonstrations and a peek into the computer labs, which can be used for job searches, various educational courses and to further access to no-cost resources like legal support and housing.  “There are people here who will help with resumes, job searches, interviews and placement. And the best part is, it won’t cost anything,” said IEHP’s Health Educator Allita Watkins.  For locations, class schedules and more information about IEHP’s Community Resource Center, visit iehp.org. 

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) had officially opened its doors.  Twenty-six years later, a small cohort of team members hired during the health plan’s opening year – self-proclaimed, “The Originals” – continue to serve their community as IEHP team members.  Comprised of team members from various departments across the health plan, the Originals have contributed to some of IEHP’s most critical projects, supporting the health plan’s innovative spirit and providing optimal care for more than 1.6 million members.  “Our IEHP Originals continue to push us forward through their deep commitment and understanding of what it means to be an IEHP team member,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “This group reminds us each and every day of where we’ve been, and why we must continue to move forward.” As IEHP celebrates and reflects on the organization’s 26th anniversary this year, the health plan is also honoring its Originals to share more about their commitment and their unique place in IEHP’s history.  “If we worked late or on the weekends, you’d often find our kids at work – they’d play in the open spaces or at the desks while we kept working,” recalled IEHP IT Test Governance and Coordination Manager Imelda Ramirez. “My son used to play under my desk with his Matchbox cars. I still have them at my desk. It was a family adventure getting ready for go-live in 1996 and those first few years.”   To learn more about IEHP’s Originals and their stories, visit IEHP on LinkedIn.  

Indio, Calif., on Dec. 4 and 5.  A long-time supporter of the festival, IEHP will provide health education resources and host a free vaccine clinic near the festival. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, IEHP’s vaccine clinic will be located just two blocks away from the festival at 45720 Smurr St. in Indio and will offer free COVID-19 and flu vaccines to adults and children from 12-6 p.m. Appointments are not required. Indio’s International Tamale Festival began in 1992 and welcomes diverse crowds to enjoy handmade tamales from around the world. In addition to world-famous tamales, this year’s festival will feature live musical performances, entry to the World’s Biggest Bounce House, a roller rink, carnival rides and hundreds of booths. “Supporting the Indio Tamale Festival has become a tradition for IEHP for more than 15 years,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP’s Community Partnerships Director. “The festival provides fun, family-centered time for our community, and we’re always eager to provide benefit information and connections to resources. This year, we’re especially eager to get back to the festival and offer vaccines to the community.” Historically, hundreds of IEHP Team Members and their family members volunteered for the annual event and were bussed from the health plan’s corporate headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga to Indio. This year, IEHP’s community health teams will be spread throughout the region to support Indio’s Tamale Festival and additional community events in Rialto, Victorville and Needles.  “We want our members and communities to enjoy all the fun during the holidays in the safest way possible,” said Cesar Armendariz, IEHP’s Senior Director of Community Health. “We’re grateful to have the resources and strategic partnerships in place to make vaccines accessible to those who need them and look forward to continuing to encourage optimal care and vibrant health in our region.”  

the health plan in the 99th percentile for provider satisfaction nationwide.  Administered to the health plan’s provider network by phone through a third party vendor, the annual survey measures provider satisfaction with the services and support received directly from IEHP. The survey included responses from primary care physicians, specialists and behavioral health providers.  “To deliver the best care to our members, our providers need ongoing support from their health plan partner,” said Susie White, IEHP Chief Operating Officer. “Survey responses alert us to what areas we need to improve upon and where gaps lie so we can be effective in applying strategic solutions to support our providers. Ultimately we want to ensure our Providers are feeling secure and confident in the work and services they provide to our members. This survey provides great insight into that.” To gain actionable feedback from the plan’s provider network, the survey focused on key drivers of provider satisfaction. Top drivers included: access to case and care managers, timeliness of claims processing, and number of specialists in the network.  A notable 98.1% of providers shared they would recommend IEHP to other physician practices. Broken down by category, IEHP ranked within the 99th percentile for provider relations, health plan call center staff, pharmacy, utilization and quality management, and coordination of care. The health plan also scored in the 99th percentile in the financial category, highlighting the health plan’s ability to resolve questions or discrepancies of payment.  The survey provided additional insight for ways to improve support activities. “Our provider feedback pointed us to a really great opportunity to enhance access to resources and information supporting telehealth services,” said White. “As we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic together, reinforcing efforts in this area will be critical for our communities.” “The last two years have been an extraordinarily difficult time for our Providers as healthcare professionals and as human beings,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “I can’t begin to say how grateful we are for their work in our community and IEHP is committed to make every effort to support our Providers so our Members and Communities can enjoy the optimal care they deserve.”  

spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes and the detection of the chronic health condition in children. Together, the two organizations will actively distribute and promote educational material and work to connect the community with supportive resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the frequency of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in young people is a growing clinical and public health concern. While Type 2 diabetes is preventable, Type 1 diabetes is not. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily doses of the key hormone that converts glucose into energy. Diabetes has the potential to damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves, according to the World Health Organization. EASE T1D is the joint effort of two mothers, Debbie George and Michelle Thornburg, who have children with Type 1 (T1D) diabetes. Through their more than 25 years of combined experience, they have come to recognize areas of significant need and have joined forces to apply their knowledge as parents of young diabetics through Education, Awareness, Support and Empowerment (EASE). “The goal of EASE T1D is to raise public awareness of what Type 1 diabetes is and the onset symptoms,” said Debbie George, who co-founded EASE T1D. “So many times, children go undiagnosed because a parent thought it was a simple virus.” “Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness and weight loss are the top four symptoms,” added George. “And because there are so many illnesses these symptoms could be attributed to, awareness is critical.”     The non-profit group is also active in shaping state law, recently partnering with Poison lead singer and reality TV star Bret Michaels – diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 6 years old – in support of California’s Senate Bill 97, which requires Type 1 diabetes information to be available on the California Department of Education’s website and to be distributed to parents and guardians of K-12 students. The bill was signed into law in October 2021 as a part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $123.9 billion K-12 package.   “Empowering parents and guardians with this information is a great step in extending preventive health care services to our community,” said Dr. Wada, IEHP’s chief medical officer. “This partnership will help us to fill in the gaps and truly meet our members where they are.” To learn more about EASE T1D, visit EASET1D.org.  

AN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. Date of Meeting: December 13, 2021 Time of Meeting: 9:00 AM Location of Meeting:  Inland Empire Health Plan Headquarters 10801 Sixth Street, Suite 120 Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730 This Notice shall confirm the REGULAR MEETING of the Joint Powers Agencies - INLAND EMPIRE HEALTH PLAN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. If disability-related accommodations are needed to participate in this meeting, please contact Annette Taylor, Secretary to the IEHP Governing Board at (909) 296-3584 during regular business hours of IEHP (M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Agenda  Copies of the Packet may be obtained here.

in their upcoming event, MALO ‘E OFA Christmas 2022 Extravaganza Resource Fair and Vaccine Clinic, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at First United Methodist Church of Ontario, in Ontario, Calif. The event will provide attendees with free vaccines, groceries, children’s toys and gifts, afternoon Zumba and lots of holiday cheer. Vaccines will include Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Pediatric Moderna vaccines and boosters for children 6 months through 11 years old will also be available. Those who would like to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to make an appointment online here. MALO, a non-profit organization established in 2017, serves more than 2,000 Tongan Americans in the Inland Empire through youth mentorship, job readiness, resource literacy and cultural gathering events. “Our community has been under-resourced for decades – these partnerships are a sign of hope that our beautiful and deserving community will get the resources needed to live a life with good health and accessible health care,” said Lolofi Soakai, MALO founder and executive director. “Having partners in health care gives a peace of mind knowing that current health concerns are addressed, and preventive care is accessible” Through their years of partnership, MALO and IEHP have collaborated to distribute back-to-school backpacks, hosted various vaccine clinics, and provided personal protective equipment and household items during the COVID-19 pandemic. IEHP has also assisted MALO by providing information on health and wellness benefits. “Meeting our communities where they are and ensuring their access to vaccines and health and wellness resources is a cornerstone of who IEHP is,” said LuAnna Jauregui, IEHP community partnerships manager. “Partnering with organizations like MALO allows us to deliver on our promise to ‘heal and inspire the human spirit’ and support health equity in our region.” To learn more about MALO and their important work in the Inland Empire, visit malotongaie.org

th care visionaries and thought leaders at the health plan’s headquarters on Oct. 13, to share supportive acceleration strategies for a more integrated and sustainable health system. The one-day event featured keynote conversations from industry leaders on trends and changes that are impacting the health care environment in the state and region.  Featured speakers included: Author and Health Care Futurist Ian Morrison; California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly; University California Los Angeles Hospital and Clinic System Chief of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson; IEHP Chief Quality Officer Dr. Edward Juhn; President and Founder of MEDIS, LLC Dr. Michael Barr; and President of HC2 Strategies and Co-Chair of Stakeholder Health Dora Barilla.   “The idea that this isn’t the summit of health care is really key. It’s the future of health. Health is more than health care,” shared Dr. Ghaly in his talk about California Health & Human Services’ vision and efforts. “There is an opportunity to constantly push ourselves and push our partners to think differently about how public and private partnerships can advance this concept of deep community health. It starts with conversations like this and bringing people together.” IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton said he hoped the day’s discussions will lead to real reflection and specific action plans. “We’re very serious about moving this community, in partnership with our providers, forward and moving the quality needle,” McNaughton added. “This kind of work can’t happen alone, and we are grateful for the tremendous showing of support and collaboration to ensure vibrant health in our communities for generations to come.”  

ion residents, contracting with over 6,700 providers, and employing nearly 2,500 team members, the health plan is honoring this momentous milestone by continuing to embark on a strategic path forward. “In the last 25 years, we’ve had the incredible pleasure of connecting millions in our region to whole-person healthcare services,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer. “With large initiatives like CalAIM underway and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we continue to meet our members, providers and team members where they are, so that we may effectively work together to deliver optimal care and vibrant health to residents in our region.” IEHP began its operation in 1996 with over 60,000 Medi-Cal members and worked proactively to provide coverage to uninsured children in working families who did not qualify for Medi-Cal by launching the Healthy Families program in 1998. By 2000, IEHP had become one of the first Medi-Cal only health plans in California to receive “Commendable” NCQA Accreditation and ranked the ninth largest Medicaid Plan in the United States.   With the development of several programs supporting children (Healthy Kids), seniors (Medicaid), persons with disabilities (Medicare DualChoice), and specific health conditions (like diabetes and asthma), IEHP was able to support the influx of Inland Empire Residents who became eligible for its health services through the Affordable Care Act, increasing the health plan’s membership to 1 million members by 2015. Recently, the health plan was mentioned as a model in California’s Master Plan for Aging and has contributed several ideas to the state’s multi-year transformational initiative to address many of the complex challenges impacting the state’s Medi-Cal population (CalAIM). Programs serving as models include the health plan’s innovating work around health and housing, like IEHP’s  Housing Initiative and Health Home programs. In addition to supporting transformative initiatives like CalAIM, IEHP is also working towards sustainable solutions to increase positive health outcomes of residents in the region. “While we celebrate the great work done in our region, our job as a community-based health plan is far from over,” said McNaughton. “Building and strengthening networks of providers in the I.E. to offset the on-going provider shortage and working with our partners to create an Electronic Medical Record system to better care for members, are only two of the large priorities we’re working through,” added McNaughton. “Accompanied by our mantra to always ‘do the right thing’ for our members, our mission to heal and inspire the human spirit will guide our thoughts, our decisions, and most importantly, our actions through these projects and at IEHP in the months and years to come.”

rst social worker Dennis Kaney, who served residents of the Inland Empire for 16 years before his passing earlier this month. In speaking with Kaney earlier this year to learn more about his experience as an IEHP Team Member, he described his role as "doing what he loved most”—providing individualized, quality care and support to the region’s most vulnerable Members through his work as an IEHP Case Manager.  In January, Kaney met an IEHP Member who had sustained life-threatening injuries in a car accident, leaving the Member with paralysis in their limbs (known as a quadriplegia).   Kaney, who was wheelchair-bound himself, understood the need for multi-level support and wasted no time connecting the Member to resources to aid in the massive life transition. “I believe through my work at IEHP, I am able to do exactly what I am meant to do and use my personal experiences to help someone navigate their new beginning,” Kaney said. Through this connection, Kaney helped the Member discover new ways to manage daily life, including how to travel with a chair, how to write, talk, and how to best utilize available resources and tools. This ultimately provided the Member with hope and a reminder that their life was in no way over. “A heartfelt connection provides more care to the human spirit than we realize,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “As we honor Dennis and observe Social Work Month, we celebrate the spirit of all social workers who bring courage and empathy to a world that desperately needs their light and love.”  

ers to consider assessments and support for their children. This includes evaluations to detect conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).   IEHP Medi-Cal members can receive a free autism screening at centers like the Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence (IEAACE) or from any IEHP network provider before the member reaches age 21. “Rapidly changing environments, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the social isolation tied to it, brought significant disruptions to the lives of our youth,” said IEHP Behavioral Health and Care Management Manager Heather Waters. “Given the circumstances, it’s completely normal for children to need additional support. What’s important is ensuring they receive the right care at the right time.” Waters highlighted that early treatment and recognition of symptoms, as early as 1 year of age and before a child enters school, can result in better health outcomes. Signs and symptoms vary and can range from obsessive or compulsive behaviors to poor social skills, delayed milestones and more.  What to Expect at IEAACE “Accurate assessment, diagnoses and subsequent treatment are critical to improving the lives of children and their families within the Inland Empire and beyond. The comprehensive diagnostic evaluation process at IEAACE results in more accurate diagnoses and the creation of effective treatment recommendations, which is critical to avoiding missed diagnoses, delays in intervention and misdiagnoses with inappropriate treatments,” said IEAACE Executive Director Zachary Ginder, MD. During the initial assessment appointment, caregivers/parents and their children will meet with an evaluation coordinator for interviews and observations. Information gathered during the appointment will be processed and reviewed by the IEAACE transdisciplinary team for next steps and follow up.  “IEAACE looks at the whole child from multiple clinical perspectives to ensure we give the child and their family the greatest opportunity for long-term health and prosperity,” added Dr. Ginder. “With IEHP as our primary managed care partner, children and their families now have greater access to these services, which will ideally result in reducing health disparities within our communities.”  To receive an evaluation or additional services, members are encouraged to call IEHP Member Services at 1-800-440-4347 and ask for the Behavioral Health Department. Members can also learn more about IEAACE by visiting autismassessment4ie.org.  

red location, the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) team member knew he had to act. “For five years, my family and I have walked in memory of my sister Melanie and to advocate for suicide prevention and education,” said Lopez about the annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) event. “We had been registered for months to take part in the walk and were deeply saddened to hear the walk wouldn’t be happening in the Inland Empire. I thought, ‘I know where the walk could be held.’” Lopez, an information technology specialist at IEHP, shared the event cancellation news with the company’s leadership team, who moved quickly to offer IEHP’s Rancho Cucamonga campus as the site for this year’s event. With a few signatures and approvals, the walk’s new location at IEHP was official.  So, in addition to sponsoring the event, IEHP was also a proud host of AFSP’s Inland Empire Out of Darkness Community Walk.  More than 500 Inland Empire community residents gathered on Oct. 29 and walked on IEHP’s Sixth Street campus in remembrance, hope and support of those impacted and lost by suicide. Together, the group walked 2 miles and raised more than $30,000 to fund research for suicide prevention, create and distribute education programs, advocate for public policy and support people affected by suicide.  “I take pride in working for IEHP, an organization that truly lives up to their mission,” added Lopez. “This event helps families find closure, support and hope. Helping others in our community was a large proponent of who my sister was, and I know how happy she would be to know we’re continuing to push forward to erase the stigma behind suicide and mental health, especially for those in underserved communities.” To learn more about AFSP and future events and walks, visit afsp.org.  

ew moms and moms-to-be are invited to visit IEHP’s Community Resource Centers in December for free maternal mental health events, which will offer health and wellness resources and connections to prenatal and postpartum care. Events will be hosted by IEHP’s Maternal Mental Health Team at all three of the health plan’s Community Resource Centers: Thursday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at IEHP’s Victorville center, 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3, Victorville, Calif., 92395 Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.- noon at IEHP’s San Bernardino center, 805 W. Second St., Suite C, San Bernardino, Calif., 92410 Friday, Dec. 9, 2- 5 p.m. at IEHP’s Riverside center, 3590 Tyler St., Suite 101, Riverside, Calif., 92503 Registration is encouraged by visiting Connect I.E. or IEHP’s Events page on Facebook. In addition to information on community resources for prenatal and postpartum care, attendees will receive baby items and will be eligible for raffle prizes. Members will also learn more about their maternal health benefits and the services they can access.  “The pregnancy process doesn’t end once the baby is born,” said IEHP Manager Heather Waters, LCSW. “Postpartum care is just as important as prenatal care. Our team at IEHP can assist you with linkage to your postpartum appointment and any additional services, such as transportation and behavioral health.”  A recent report from the CDC also highlights this need, citing that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2017-2019 were preventable and 53% of deaths occurred between seven days and one year after delivery. The report also notes the leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths include mental health conditions.  “Our Maternal Mental Health team at IEHP is serious about improving maternal health outcomes in our communities, and we look forward to equipping our members with the necessary tools, benefit information and resources they need to deliver healthy babies and remain well after delivery,” added Waters. 

eve Morgan Leopard of the Year award, University of La Verne’s (ULV) most prestigious alumni recognition.  “We consider this our Lifetime Achievement award, given to an alumnx who not only has achieved extraordinary career success, but maybe more importantly, has also greatly impacted and improved lives in their community,” shared University of La Verne President Dr. Devorah Lieberman. Selected by a committee comprised of leaders from ULV’s Alumni Advisory Board, the Office of Alumni Engagement and University Administration, recipients of the award are alumni who demonstrate a deep-seated commitment to their community and support the university with their time, talent and resources.  “Jarrod has been a transformational partner with us over the past several years in the creation of our new College of Health and Community Well-Being,” added Lieberman. “His intimate knowledge of the health care needs of the Inland Empire and his personal passion to help guide our students – many of them first-generation college graduates, like himself – into productive, worthwhile career paths was a visionary contribution to help guide our planning. As our programs grow and our students succeed, we will forever credit his foresight and support in helping form this college.” McNaughton, who earned a Master of Business Administration at ULV, has remained engaged with the university since graduation, serving students through guest lectures, commencement speeches and more.  “Maintaining a strong connection with your alma mater is an important part in supporting the next generation, especially those living in the Inland Empire,” said McNaughton. “I am incredibly humbled by this recognition and look forward to my continued collaboration with ULV in bridging gaps for current and future students.”