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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.”

e Health Plan (IEHP) has organized a series of educational campaigns, community partnerships and stakeholder collaborations to provide access and educational support to unvaccinated residents. According to state data, Black and Hispanic communities and Medi-Cal Members rank among the lowest in vaccination rates in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In addition, case rates for COVID-19 positive patients in the region continue to dramatically fluctuate, posing ongoing uncertainty and risk. “The COVID-19 vaccine is the most ‘certainty’ we’ve had in fighting this virus,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP Chief Medical Officer. “While it is possible to be vaccinated and still contract the virus, data shows the vaccine has been incredibly effective in reducing the impacts of the virus, thus reducing hospitalizations and deaths. That’s why receiving the vaccine is so critical.” Since the roll out of the vaccine, IEHP has participated in several pop-up vaccine events, including a partnership with Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) and SAC Health System (SACHS), to organize a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (St. Paul AME) in San Bernardino, a prominent place of worship for the county’s Black Community. With additional funding coming from the state Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program,  IEHP will continue to develop partnerships with the counties, community-based organizations, schools and churches to get innovate and craft additional actions to improve vaccination rates.  IEHP will also be developing an incentive program to encourage IEHP network providers to increase the rates of COVID vaccination.   “We understand the fears of those who chose to remain unvaccinated, and we want to empower these individuals by meeting them in familiar spaces, equipping them with facts, information and opportunities to receive their vaccine,” added Wada. “Familiarity and trust are a large part of making that decision, and we’re grateful to partner with community leaders and organizations to continue building that trust.” Last month, IEHP also partnered with sister plan L.A. Care to launch an educational campaign with the help of award-winning actor Jaime Camil, known for his work on The CW’s Jane the Virgin and Disney’s Coco. The effort included Instagram Live events, PSAs and billboards that will run in the weeks to come.  “In addition to battling the pandemic, we’re also battling a bit of an info-demic,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “Providing our communities with factual, honest information about the vaccine in a way that relates to them personally, can make all the difference. Health care is incredibly personal, and we’re grateful to work with such an esteemed group of partners to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are equipped with all they need to enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.” The health plan will continue to serve San Bernardino County as a super vaccination site, hosting a clinic in their Rancho Cucamonga headquarters, with plans to expand operations with additional community health partners in the near future. To learn more, visit sbcovid19.com/vaccine.  

), Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), and Help Me Grow Inland Empire (HMGIE) have joined forces to create the IEHP Early Childhood Wellness Program. The program encourages parental understanding of children’s (aged 0-5 years) developmental milestones through preventive screenings, interactive classes, helpful resources and more. Developmental milestones are helpful in gauging children’s growth and can provide early warning signs for developmental delays. “A child’s growth is more than just physical, and can be observed in how the child plays, learns, speaks and behaves,” said Jane Wang, IEHP Director of Health Education. “Parents and caregivers who know their child the best could be the first to identify any missed milestones and are an important part of the solution,” added Wang. “Bringing awareness to developmental milestones through activities and resources gives parents the opportunity to learn more about their child and how they can personally impact their growth.” Reflecting on her time in the program, Jessica Cortez, parent of Jayla (8 months) said, “By doing the activities in the program, I’ve learned different ways that can help me teach and improve her learning. If I didn’t take the classes, I wouldn’t be able to come up with the activities we’ve been doing on my own. The questionnaire gave me an idea of what to look for and what areas we need to improve.” The program utilizes the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) in partnership with HMGIE. The questionnaire’s results provide parents with information about the developmental status of their child across five key areas that can be discussed with the child’s pediatrician. The five key areas include: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social. In addition, parents are provided access to developmental screenings, early childhood education and learning material promoting healthy growth and development at home. The program also includes a virtual interactive Circle Time class for parents and their children and refers parents to supportive resources when any developmental concerns are observed. “Help Me Grow Inland Empire is proud to serve as the developmental screening partner for IEHP’s Health Educators,” said Dr. Marti Baum, Pediatrician and HMGIE Physician Champion. “HMGIE assists IEHP-referred parents and caregivers to assess their child’s development against well-established milestones. When concerns are identified, IEHP’s Health Educators immediately start working with the family to provide the child with necessary medical care and social services.  Together, IEHP and HMGIE are making a difference in the lives of young children — a successful partnership that helps our young ones be ready to learn when they start school.” The program is offered online weekly and will resume in-person interactive classes this month at IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center. “Preventive care and health promotion resonates at the core of our mission within Health Education at IEHP,” said Wang. “However, to truly provide wraparound care, we believe that we must continue to strengthen our partnership with our IEHP providers as well – such as leveraging technology solutions for ease of accessing screening tools and results. In the coming years, we hope to help bridge these efforts so that our young children, 0-5 years, are getting the right care at the right time, and are able to realize their full potential.” IEHP parents can participate in the program by submitting a screening request via email to screening@iehp.org or by participating in a Circle Time class with their child. For more information, visit iehp.org or call IEHP Member Service at (800) 440-4347 or (800) 718-4347 (TTY).

lan (IEHP), SAC Health (SACHS), Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), Ezra Productions and St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (St. Paul AME) in San Bernardino has earned a total of 22 health care advertising awards.  Awards range from Merit, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Best of Show across organizations, including Healthcare AdAwards, Aster Awards, the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (Viddy Awards), American Advertising Federation’s Inland Empire Chapter and Telly Awards.  Aimed to provide education and resources to the region’s Black and Hispanic populations – who have the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates and the highest virus and hospitalization rates – the partnership began in 2021 as a way for IEHP to reach and inform these community members.  “COVID hit Black and Brown communities like ours the hardest,” said St. Paul African American Methodist Episcopal Church (St. Paul AME) Pastor Steven D. Shepard Sr. “We often get looked over because we don’t have the assets or the finances that others have in their community.” With limited health care access and historical fears of modern medicine, community organizations knew that to save lives, they’d need to meet their residents where they were and provide them with trusted information, support and encouragement to get a COVID-19 vaccine. United With A Purpose The collaboration included gathering resources across IEHP, LLUH and SACH to organize COVID-19 vaccine clinics, grocery distribution events and community outreach in a familiar place: St. Paul AME Church. This work represented the shared goals for IEHP’s community partnerships with outreach and health services teams – all in support of the organization’s Mission: “We heal and inspire the human spirit.” Ezra Productions – through close collaboration with IEHP’s marketing-communication team for this inspiring story – captured the joint efforts, producing “Hope is Alive.” The public service announcement video served as a platform for the community and members of St. Paul AME Church to share their experiences about COVID-19, including acknowledging fears associated with the vaccine and the need for continued community collaboration. “We grew up not trusting anything the government wanted to give us,” said a St. Paul AME Church member, who sat next to her daughter during the interview. “I was born blind; I’m the product of the Tuskegee Experiment.” “I turned to her and said, ‘You know, it’s [the vaccine clinic] at the church and it’s with IEHP?’ and that’s when she said, ‘Sign me up,’” said the member’s daughter.  “To drive change forward, people need to be met right where they are,” said IEHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Takashi Wada. “Heartfelt outreach, listening and partnering with trusted organizations in our community are key to making that happen. We’re grateful to continue developing and pouring into award-winning collaborations that enable us to care and support our Members in a way that makes sense to who they are as individuals.” Documenting the power of empathy, outreach and community support, “Hope is Alive” was judged by national panels who scored thousands of entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and impact.  To learn more about IEHP, visit IEHP.org. Click here to watch the “Hope is Alive” video,  

nsorship to Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative (IEDC) that will be distributed to 10 students who applied for IEDC scholarships. Scholarships were distributed June 16 at San Bernardino Valley College, where IEDC Member Denise Booker was also honored for her dedication to bring awareness of Juneteenth to the Riverside community.  “Providing opportunities, aid and continuing to advocate and honor individuals who stand for equity is critical to our mission to obtain optimal care and vibrant health in our region,” said IEHP Director of Community Health and IEDC Board President, Dr. Gabriel Uribe. “Since 2019, IEDC has distributed 33 scholarships to Inland Empire students with disabilities who are pursing undergraduate, graduate, vocational or technical degrees. It’s a tradition we hope to continue through our partnerships and community support.”  Established in 2006, IEDC is powered by a partnership between IEHP, Community Access Center and PossAbilities of Loma Linda University Health. Today the organization brings together more than 900 service providers from several organizations across the Inland Empire who serve seniors and people with disabilities.  “It's imperative we do what we can to level the playing field and advocate for underserved and marginalized communities. That’s what’s so inspiring about Mrs. Booker. She stood up, she spoke up and she sparked positive change in her community,” added Uribe.  Booker has been an IEDC member since 2017 and has been active in advocating for the Black community. Through her organization, The Black Collaborative, Booker has led advocacy efforts to inform local politicians and leaders about Juneteenth and why the day is important in our nation’s history.  “The collaboration I have with IEDC provides me the opportunity to help a section of my community that I otherwise would not be able to,” said Booker. “My relationship with IEDC brings true the African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’”     

es through an IEHP sponsored or supported clinic. Clinics are made possible through partnerships with community-based organizations like Loma Linda University Health, SAC Health System, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inland Regional Center, and San Bernardino County and are expected to continue to combat the surging rates of COVID-19 cases. Approximately 36,900 vaccines have been administered through San Bernardino County’s super vaccination site, held at the health plan’s corporate headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga. In addition, more than 1,500 vaccines have been distributed at community events, like Que Buena’s 2021 Fiestas Patrias community event, and church or organization-hosted clinics over the past six months. “We do everything we can to meet residents where they are,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP’s Director of Community Partnerships. “For some, it comes down to convenience and accessibility. For others, it’s all about education and awareness. We’re thrilled to offer these services and resources to residents in the I.E. and are actively working to develop additional opportunities for our teams to connect with and support the community!” With funding from the state’s Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program, IEHP plans on expanding partnerships to ensure continued vaccine clinics. The health plan is also developing provider incentive programs to encourage physician intervention among patients, increasing vaccination rates. “The facts are crystal clear. Everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “While we are proud of the number of vaccines we’ve helped to administer, we still have plenty of work ahead to ensure our communities can enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. We understand receiving a vaccine is a personal choice, however the community impacts are astounding. Just as this pandemic began through community spread, it must end through community collaboration and response.” For COVID-19 vaccine sites near you, visit myturn.ca.gov.

hild would be paying her medical school bills today. And yet, that’s exactly what Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has done for the past two years—and counting.    IEHP awarded Hough with their innovative Healthcare Scholarship Fund award in 2020, bringing Hough’s journey from Medi-Cal member to medical school student to fruition. A Victorville native and now third-year medical student at California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM), Hough was one of 50 students to receive the inaugural award from IEHP. The health plan has sustained the program with annual scholarship awards ranging from full to partial tuition at three medical schools: CUSM, Loma Linda University and University of California, Riverside. “This scholarship means the world to me,” said Hough. “Growing up in a family who struggled financially, the dream of being able to go to medical school seemed so farfetched for so long.” IEHP created the scholarship fund to help address the provider shortage in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. “By supporting local medical students, we are able to secure their service to the Inland Empire after graduation and create a pipeline of health care professionals who are committed to serving our communities with compassion and empathy,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. Hough discovered her passion for medicine while taking human science classes at California State University Fullerton and spending countless hours volunteering at Children’s Health Orange County. Encouraged by these experiences and several physician mentors, she decided to pursue a career as a doctor. Hough intentionally applied to only local schools so she could remain connected to her Inland Empire roots. “Most people apply very broadly—to as many schools as they want,” Hough said. “But I felt it was really important to be in this area, so I only applied to three medical schools. It was very risky, but it worked out.” Hough remembers not having much guidance or role models related to her dream of medicine growing up, so becoming a doctor didn’t seem possible. “When I got that acceptance letter,” she said, “it was really a moment of shock.”   Through the medical school admissions process, Hough learned about IEHP’s Healthcare Scholarship Fund and its goal to support local students who wished to remain in the Inland Empire. Hough remembered IEHP was the health plan she had as a child and appreciated how they promoted a mission she resonated with. She applied and earned a four-year award.   “After receiving the scholarship, a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders,” said Hough. “Thank you so much IEHP, from the bottom of my heart. I don’t think words could ever explain how grateful I am.” The cost for medical school in California has been on an upward trend since 2013, increasing about $1,500 annually and currently averaging a total of $218,792. This puts the dream of being a physician even further out of reach for many IE students, and deeply impacts the ongoing provider shortage in the region. “Bridging the gap between aspiring IE medical professionals and local medical schools to serve the region’s most vulnerable populations is what this scholarship program was designed to do,” said McNaughton. “We are absolutely elated to support Jordan and our HSF award recipients on their path to becoming physicians and are especially eager to connect their desire and ability to provide optimal care and vibrant health to the communities they love so very much.” The health plan will be hosting networking and supportive events for medical students throughout their medical school journey, including a dinner at IEHP headquarters on May 3. To learn more about IEHP’s Healthcare Scholarship Fund, visit iehp.org.

and support community health workers (CHWs) in the Inland Empire (I.E.).  The pilot program is aimed at reducing barriers to health care services in marginalized and underserved areas and encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In the initial stage of the program’s two-tiered approach, the health plan will professionally train a new community health workforce in an intensive nine-week program. Program curriculum encompasses CHW training provided by Loma Linda San Manuel Gateway College’s Certificated Community Health Worker Training Program and various IEHP Health Navigator courses. Continuous training opportunities will also be offered to ensure CHWs remain equipped with needed resources. The workforce will be staffed in partnership with community agencies and their employees who may be interested in a career advancement opportunity. These agencies include Young Visionaries (High Desert), Michelle’s Place (Temecula Valley), Asian American Resource Center (San Bernardino), LGBTQ Center (Palm Springs), and the Sahaba Initiative (San Bernardino). Internally, IEHP’s Community Health Managers Delia Orosco, Maria Gallegos and Carmen Ramirez are actively collaborating to support the needs of the program. “To truly encourage DEI in the I.E., each organization is focused on understanding and meeting the needs of a specific population. By working together to share knowledge and resources, we can better meet those needs and enhance wellness throughout the region,” said Orosco. DEI continues to be the focus of program’s second tier. This includes IEHP’s work to lead external CHW assignments that empower residents by teaching them how to utilize health care benefits, helping them navigate benefit services, and increasing their ability to advocate for themselves in their community. “Our hope is that we can collectively improve regional health outcomes by supporting communities that have been historically underserved and marginalized with resources and culturally relevant supports,” said Dr. Gabriel Uribe, IEHP’s Director of Community Health. “Health literacy is essential to DEI work, and no one should suffer because they are not aware of available services. This community health workforce will fill in those gaps and serve as a step forward in our effort to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the Inland Empire.” The pilot program will run until September 2022, with the goal of expansion soon thereafter.

tian Gutierrez (pronounced “IX-tian,” like Christian) has joined the health plan's governing board and will serve alongside the dedicated members who represent both Riverside and San Bernardino counties.  On Jan. 10, Supervisor Gutierrez was appointed to the IEHP Governing Board; he was elected to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in November 2022. He is the second Latino ever elected supervisor for Riverside County. Prior to this appointment, Gutierrez served as the first directly elected Moreno Valley Mayor for seven years and was a professor at National University, served on Moreno Valley’s City Council, owned and operated the Berrybean Café, taught in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, and worked as a reading instructor at Moreno Valley College. In addition to his supervisor duties, Gutierrez is a professor at California State University, San Bernardino, and serves as a board member for Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), Riverside Transit Agency, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Riverside County University Medical System, Flood Control, Renu Hope Foundation, the U.S. Selective Service and several other regional boards. He is also a 1st Lieutenant (CA) with the 163rd Support Group stationed at March Air Reserve Base. “On behalf of the IEHP Governing Board, I welcome fellow Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez to the Board and look forward to his input on providing quality healthcare to our Members,” said Karen Spiegel, Riverside County Second District Supervisor and IEHP Governing Board Chair. Representing the 10th largest county in the United States with more than 2.5 million residents, Supervisor Gutierrez is dedicated to improving and protecting the things that make Riverside County so unique.  “I am thrilled to join the IEHP Governing Board of Directors and honored to be a part of an inspiring group of Board Members and more than 3,000 employees - all with a singular vision to heal and inspire the human spirit to make the Inland Empire a healthier place for all,” said Supervisor Gutierrez. “Within this role, I look forward to ensuring IEHP continues to provide access to quality and affordable health coverage to our working families across the region.” Gutierrez joins the health plan's governing board, which is comprised of four elected county supervisors and three appointed members of the public. Current members include: Chair Karen Spiegel, Riverside County Second District Supervisor; Vice-Chair Curt Hagman, San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor; Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and Third District Supervisor; Daniel P. Anderson, President and CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation; Andrew Williams, Joint County Public Member; and Eileen Zorn, former health care clinician and educator. Since the establishment of IEHP's Governing Board, the body has greatly supported and influenced the development and implementation of CalAIM, the Housing Initiative, Behavioral Health Integration and more. "We are very excited to welcome Supervisor Gutierrez to our Governing Board and look forward to his insight in our ongoing commitment to meet our members where they are to provide Optimal Care and Vibrant Health," said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer.  

forces this season to bring health and wellness resources, including COVID-19 education and vaccine information, to the campus community and broader audiences. Utilizing a multi-channel approach, the organizations will serve as an access point to timely and accurate health information for students, staff and the community during the ongoing pandemic. “We are excited to welcome IEHP as a partner to help us continue our mission of preparing our student-athletes for opportunities in life through sport,” said Wesley Mallette, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “In partnership with IEHP, we hope to educate and inform all Highlanders about the amazing resources IEHP provides and their positive impact on lives.” As a corporate sponsor, IEHP will be cheering for UCR’s basketball, baseball and softball home games, and will be sponsoring a basketball game on February 17, celebrating Black History Month. At this event, Michael Deering, IEHP’s Vice President of Innovation, Acceleration and Diversity, will be announcing the UCR Highlanders’ starting lineup. Also featured in the partnership is the health plan’s collaborative work with UCR’s Center for Healthy Communities and School of Medicine and will be aired on videoboard screens before games—appearing on ESPN+ when Highlander games are televised. “UCR’s commitment to public health is incredibly evident in all they do,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful to partner with them on multiple levels and look forward to sharing resources and accurate COVID-19 information so we can put our best foot forward in living healthy lives and defeating this virus, together.” For upcoming UCR game schedules and events, visit gohighlanders.com.

ommunity Behavioral Health Amrita Rai were each named Alumnus of the Year by their respective departments at Loma Linda University (LLU) for their promotion of the vision and purposes of their alma mater along with their contributions to the community.  Pham earned his master’s degree with an emphasis in healthcare administration from LLU’s School of Public Health. At IEHP, Pham develops and executes IEHP’s strategy system to advance the health plan’s mission and achieve its bold 2030 vision: we will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. In this work, Pham constantly seeks new ways for IEHP to better serve the community and its most vulnerable residents. “We were pleased to honor Mr. Thomas Pham with the SPH Alumnus of the Year Award at our 2022 commencement ceremony. His notable contributions as part of IEHP to the health and well-being of the Inland Empire communities reflect our vision for healthy people living in resilient communities supported by equitable systems of health,” said Dr. Helen Hopp Marshak, LLU Dean, School of Public Health. Honored by LLU’s School of Behavioral Health, Rai graduated with a master’s degree in social work. In her current role at IEHP, Rai actively leads both community and statewide initiatives in improving access to mental health services, including the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program.  “Amrita Rai received the 2022 Alumni of the Year award at the graduation services of the Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health for her unwavering commitment to servant leadership and the delivery of equitable behavioral health services for the most vulnerable populations throughout the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Beverly Buckles, LLU Dean, School of Behavioral Health.  Rai also shares her expertise and passion at various speaking engagements throughout the year, inspiring awareness and continued improvement of the development and delivery of behavioral health services.  “The transformational work Thomas and Amrita have done in their respective areas is a true testament to their love for the Inland Empire community. Active contributions and engagement from team members like Thomas and Amrita make IEHP’s commitment to heal and inspire the human spirit possible, and we are grateful for their service,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. 

h plan as its first chief health equity officer.    In this role, Chandler will serve the Inland Empire by further developing and implementing policies, procedures and programs aimed at improving health equity.   This will include using race/ethnicity, language, gender identity/sexual orientation, and geographic data to identify disparities in access to care and health outcomes. IEHP will then work with community partners to improve the provision of culturally appropriate services and develop new initiatives to address these disparities.  “Lorena has a heart for the communities we serve and is deeply committed to ensuring access to optimal care and vibrant health for everyone in the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s chief medical officer. “We look forward to working with Lorena and learning from the vast experience she brings to IEHP.”  Chandler joins IEHP with a strong background in Medicaid, Medicare, non-profit and government sponsored health programs. Prior to IEHP, she served as Blue Shield of California’s director of Medicare Growth Strategy and associate vice president of Strategic Planning and Performance and was responsible for the development of a Medicare Advantage Plan for Latino Seniors in Los Angeles County. She was also a lead in the integration of Care 1st Health Plan Medi-Cal line of business into Blue Shield of CA, giving her a broad and deep knowledge of health plan operations.   In addition, Chandler brings experience from her work with Molina Healthcare Inc. as an associate vice president of Business Process Improvement and Member Engagement and LA Care Health Plan, where she worked closely with Latino and African American communities to launch and develop their inaugural community resource centers and programs.   She has also worked for the country’s largest Hispanic civil rights organization, Unidos US, as their director for the Center for Latino Community Health, leading and evaluating their community health worker programs, and as a senior project manager for United Healthcare where she developed their Latino Health Solutions Initiative.   Chandler graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration and the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Sciences.    “Lorena’s experience and passion for health equity will help IEHP excel in its mission and will truly make the Inland Empire a healthier place for all,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer.  

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.”  

he Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP) event held Feb. 27 at Inland Empire Health Plan’s (IEHP) headquarters.  IEHP, Molina Healthcare of California, Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health, San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health, the Offices of Education in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, local school districts and charter schools gathered to acknowledge their collaboration and planning efforts over the last year. These efforts are in response to the California Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) goal to expand prevention and early intervention behavioral health services in and around schools. The initiative provides financial incentives to partnering school districts and charter schools. To move beyond planning and gear up for the implementation phase of the initiative, the group shared experiences and insight and raised awareness about their plans. Event speakers included Dr. Amy Young-Snodgrass, chief of the division of forensic pediatrics at LLU Children’s Hospital, Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Office of Education superintendent, Ted Alejandre, San Bernardino County Office of Education superintendent, Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer, Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California and others.   “Molina Healthcare of California is committed to improving access to behavioral health care services in our local schools,” said Totten. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with organizations that share in this mission as we move forward to implement innovative solutions addressing this critical issue.” The initiative’s implementation phase will include key interventions that focus on behavioral health wellness programs, care teams, expansion of the behavioral health workforce, substance use disorders and culturally appropriate and targeted populations. In addition, IEHP will be supporting SBHIP interventions through their Health Plan Navigators, stationed on local school campuses.  “The relationships, processes and infrastructure we build together will redefine how we care for our children, and have a positive impact for generations to come,” said Amrita Rai, IEHP’s clinical director of community behavioral health. “Having the opportunity to reimagine our systems of care takes intention and it takes work.  I’m so thankful for organizations that share that vision and are willing to make that future a reality.”

a will oversee IEHP’s Health Services department and collaboratively lead the implementation of initiatives such as CalAIM, Home and Community-Based Services, the organization’s Strategic Plan, and more.  In addition, Dr. Wada will provide clinical and strategic leadership through accountable processes to improve the quality-of-care delivery with improved external quality metrics. “With innovative healthcare initiatives rolling out at state and federal levels, I’m eager to lead and support our team’s work, so that we may contribute in new and meaningful ways that will positively impact the wellness of our own members and communities,” he said.  Dr. Wada joined IEHP in 2019 as Vice President of Population Health. In this capacity, he oversaw the internal departments of Behavioral Health & Care Management, Community & Family Health, Health Education, and Practice Transformation. He also played a key role in various statewide and regional population health initiatives.   Prior to his role at IEHP, Dr. Wada served as Chief Medical Officer/ Deputy Chief Medical Officer for CenCal Health and Director/Health Officer for Santa Barbara County’s Health Department. Dr. Wada received an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from University of California, Riverside, and a master’s degree in public health from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He completed his medical degree from UCLA and his graduate medical education at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “Dr. Wada truly has a passion for this work,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton.  “I couldn’t be more thrilled that he is joining our Executive Team. We are absolutely looking forward to working with Dr. Wada in his new role and continuing our mission to heal and inspire the human spirit.”  

Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"). IEHP will continually update you on the latest recommendations, news, and resources on COVID-19 as it becomes available. COVID-19 Symptoms and Members Care For a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and step-by-step Member direction, visit our COVID-19 Member page. COVID-19 Therapeutics Available for Members In an effort to provide the most up-to-date treatments against COVID-19, IEHP continues to maintain a list of providers, including but not limited to infusion clinics, ancillary, hospital and non-hospital based infusion centers offering COVID-19 infusion therapy treatment. Under all Member coverage, outpatient COVID therapeutics will be offered immediately after a Member is determined to be clinically eligible under and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). For more information, Providers can utilize the COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinical Consult Line to connect with other clinicians for a free and confidential consultation on COVID-19 testing and treatment: 1-866-268-4322 (1-866-COVID-CA). List of Infusion Sites COVID-19 Infusion Treatments by Organization (PDF) Test-To-Treat COVID-19 Vaccine Reimbursement for Medi-Cal Providers DHCS has carved out the COVID-19 vaccine from Medi-Cal managed care health plans and will reimburse providers under the Fee-for-Service (FFS) delivery system for both medical and pharmacy claims. Medi-Cal will reimburse the associated COVID-19 vaccine administration fee at the allowable Medicare rate for all claims (medical, outpatient, and pharmacy), based on the number of required doses for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries. For further information: June 13, 2022 - DHCS COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Provider FAQs   How Vaccines Build Immunity While the COVID-19 vaccines are relatively new - the technology and science behind the vaccines have been in development for decades. In the video below, we demonstrate how years of vaccine research and advanced technology allowed researchers and scientists worldwide to be prepared to develop an mRNA vaccine that could help fight the spread of a global infectious disease. FIND A TESTING AND VACCINATION SITE NEAR YOU TODAY! RIVERSIDE Riverside County Public Health COVID Testing Site Vaccine Information Vaccine Locations & Registration Registrations encouraged but not required for: The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as a booster for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. For more information, visit the Riverside Country Vaccine webpage. Teenagers 5 to 17 years old must register for a vaccination clinic that offers the Pfizer vaccine and be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or present a signed written consent from a parent/legal guardian and be accompanied by an adult. Pfizer Minor Consent Form (PDF) | Spanish  The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines can only be given to individuals age 18 years and older. Johnson & Johnson Fact Sheet (PDF) | Spanish - Published April 26, 2021  SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino County Public Health COVID Testing Site Vaccine Locations & Registration Additional Dose and Boosters Information COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form (PDF) | Spanish   The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as a booster for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. For more information, visit the San Bernardino County Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination web page Walk-ins are now available at County-operated vaccination sites. Walk-in individuals will not need to bring any additional information to the site, however be prepared to register on site, which will include answering health screening questions. Walk-ins may experience longer wait times and availability may vary based on site demand.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clinical Care Guidance Vaccines Vaccination Plans January 10, 2022 - Continued Coverage of COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (PDF) CalVax CalVax is a state-wide centralized system for health care Providers enrolled or interested in participating in the California COVID-19 Vaccination Program, developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The new CalVax platform will provide a system to manage vaccine enrollment, ordering, inventory, administration, reporting and data analytics. Training materials such as job aids, videos, and recorded demos will be available to support all system users as they navigate through the new CalVax platform (mycavax.cdph.ca.gov).  CA Notify • CA Notify Flyer in English (PDF) and Spanish(PDF) • CA Notify Shareable Tools for web and social media • CA Notify Website  Financial Assistance Resources Riverside County Medical Association - COVID-19 Financial Toolkit for Medical Practice U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) CARES Provider Relief Fund Learn more about the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Portal U.S. Small Business Administration. Borrowers may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. See if you're eligible here. Guidance Regarding Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID-19 Even with decreasing cases and hospitalizations, those with high-risk conditions who have tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to get monoclonal antibody treatment at Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Medical Center. In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited the use of certain monoclonal antibody therapies that were ineffective against the omicron variant. In response, RUHS – Medical Center is administering sotrovimab, an IV infusion shown to be effective against omicron and other variants. January 14, 2022 - RUHS-Medical Center Offers Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment Quest Diagnostic For more information, please visit Quest Diagnostics FAQs COVID-19 Specimen Collection Instructions (Watch Video Here)                        Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for COVID-19 Testing (View PDF Here)   LabCorp For more information, please visit LabCorp's COVID-19 page. Which COVID-19 Test is Right For You? COVID-19 FAQs If you do not have the ability to collect specimens for COVID-19, please refer to your County Public Health resources for guidance on directing Members for testing.   Telehealth IEHP is strongly encouraging the utilization of telehealth for visits that can be conducted over the phone or via other audiovisual telecommunications.  IEHP has published a telehealth FAQ which is available here: Telehealth Services Due to Limiting Exposure to COVID-19 (PDF)- October 17, 2022 Remember: IEHP Provider Telehealth Information (PDF) IEHP expects that Providers will offer telehealth services and support to their Members during their published business hours.  Existing authorizations are valid and do not need to be changed even if services are being provided via telehealth You can request a POS 02 or POS 10 on your authorization however if you do not, you can still utilize the authorization for telehealth services even if a different POS was approved. When billing the claim for the service, you will utilize a POS 02 or POS 10. ONLY Services that are deemed clinically appropriate to provide via telehealth should be provided via telehealth. If there are treatments, exams, procedures or other services that cannot be provided via telehealth, those are not eligible to be provided via telehealth.  Provider Resources for Combatting COVID-19 Fatigue ACEs Aware - Support for those on the front lines as California addresses stress and anxiety related to COVID-19   Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID 19 Response Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) California Department of Public Health (CDPH)   The California Department of HealthCare Services (DHCS) has published a COVID-19 response page with guidance for Providers and Partners, Home and Community Based Services and Behavioral Health. Found Here: DHCS COVID‑19 Response | DHCS COVID-19 Medi-Cal FAQs The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also has a page with new guidance documents and additional resources and news releases. Found Here: CDHP COVID-19 Updates Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) CMS Health Care Provider Toolkit - Help link to COVID-19 related questions   San Bernardino Medical Society The San Bernardino County Medical Society promotes the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the protection of the public health and to promote the betterment of the medical profession. The latest news, research and developments on the COVID-19 outbreak for physicians can be found here: SBCMS COVID-19. January 07, 2021 - COVID-19 Vaccines For All Practicing Physicians and Staff – San Bernardino County (PDF) 2-1-1 San Bernardino County Resource & Information Guide   2-1-1 San Bernardino County has curated a COVID-19 Resource & Information Guide and will update this page regularly as the situation changes. For more information, please click here.   Correspondences May 2, 2022 - Webinar - IWIN COVID and the Community April 13, 2022 - COVID-19 “Test to Treat” Initiative April 8, 2022 - 2nd Round of Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Available February 23, 2022 - COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Drugs – Coverage and Dispensing Pharmacies  January 28, 2022 - Free OTC COVID-19 Antigen Kits Available January 26, 2022 - Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available by Request January 5, 2022 - Extending SNF COVID-19 Per Diem Rate December 22, 2021 - COVID-19 Vaccine Billing for Medicare Advantage Enrollees Effective DOS January 1, 2022 December 16, 2021- COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program – Program Guide December 16, 2021 - REMINDER: COVID Vaccine Enrollment Survey - Your Response is Requested December 10, 2021 - REMINDER: COVID Vaccine Enrollment Survey - Your Response is Requested December 10, 2021 - COVID-19 Vaccine Billing for Medicare Advantage Enrollees December 3, 2021- COVID-19 Vaccine Enrollment Survey December 1, 2021- CDC Encourages COVID Booster Due to Omicron Variant November 17, 2021- UPDATE! COVID-19 Vaccine FQHC, RHC and IHF Incentive Program November 9, 2021- Three Upcoming Webinars on Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust October 22, 2021- 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Member Incentive October 22, 2021- NEW!!! COVID-19 Vaccine FQHC and RHC Incentive Program October 19, 2021- COVID-19 Treatment – RUHS Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center October 12, 2021- Reminder - NEW COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program - Kickoff Meeting October 6, 2021- NEW COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program- Kickoff Meetings October 4, 2021- New COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program September 8, 2021- CDPH Webinar: How to Have Crucial Conversations About COVID-19 Vaccines – Thursday, September 9th August 18, 2021 - Riverside County Public Townhall on COVID-19 Vaccines For additional resources regarding COVID-19, please visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Riverside County Public Health San Bernardino Public Health You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later to view the PDF files. You can download a free copy by clicking here.

- Mosquito Borne Disease Update (PDF) March 17, 2023 - Riverside University Health Systems - Increased Enteric Disease Activity - Shigella (PDF) November 11, 2022 - Riverside University Health Systems - Early Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Seasonal Influenza Activity (PDF) October 25, 2022 - Riverside University Health Systems - Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease Due to Sudan Virus in Central Uganda (PDF) October 21, 2022 - Riverside University Health Systems - Influenza (PDF) August 18, 2022 - Updated Monkeypox Guidance (PDF) August 18, 2022 - Riverside University Health System - Monkeypox Home Isolation Instructions (PDF) August 18, 2022 - CDC - Dear Colleague: 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak (PDF) July 19, 2022 - Updated Monkeypox Guidance (PDF) March 14, 2022 - Riverside County Legionnaires' Disease Advisory (PDF) By clicking on the links below, you will be leaving the IEHP website.