Ensuring everyone in our community enjoys vibrant health is no small feat. El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center in San Bernardino — this year’s winner of the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Vibrant Health Award — has proven up for the task.

For more than 35 years, El Sol has developed culturally aligned programs and outreach to meet the needs of community members right where they live. Today, their network of 120 Community Health Workers and Promotores (CHW/Ps) reaches more than 250,000 Inland Empire residents each year.

“Sometimes [community members] experience lack of housing. Sometimes they experience depression. Sometimes families go through really hard situations in life,” said Rocio Quintanar, supervisor of the Maternal Health program at El Sol. “We make sure that families are able to connect with these resources and we follow up … work alongside with them.”

Beyond outreach, El Sol strengthens the region through programs that build skills, create opportunity and expand access to care.

• Training new CHW/Ps through its CHW Learning Hub
• Partnering across Los Angeles County to address wider health disparities
• Using tools like CommHealth Tracker to keep families connected to needed support
• Creating local jobs and producing community‑focused materials through Central City Prints
• Providing a welcoming space at the El Sol Park & Learning Center, where families can access wellness programs, youth leadership opportunities and family support

Quintanar expressed her gratitude for the partnership El Sol has with IEHP.

“Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting us,” she said. “Together, we’re not only supporting the community, we are building sustainability. We’re building real connection. We bring hope. We bring opportunity.”

Learn more about the Living the Mission Awards and IEHP’s Mission Conference at https://missionconference.iehp.org.

For more on this award winner, click the “play” button below: