Search Results For : " DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIE "

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.”

at involves fish – are providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for neighbors facing food insecurity. For the last year, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has worked closely with community partners to support these gardens, including an inspiring collaboration with Music Changing Lives (MCL) Chief Executive Officer Josiah Bruny, to bring a new community garden to San Bernardino.  Located on the corner of Electric Avenue and North 40th Street in San Bernardino – once one of the largest dumping sites in the city – the land has been transformed into MCL’s Urban Garden. In addition to addressing food insecurity, the garden aims to provide a safe space where neighbors can come together to learn, exercise, eat, explore, relax and have fun. Home to Soulful Sunday events every fourth Sunday of the month, local residents are invited to visit the garden for gardening workshops and various volunteer opportunities, while enjoying music, food and more. Information on Soulful Sunday events can be found on MCL’s Facebook page.  “The best part about this project is that it’s all led by the community,” said Bruny. “Working together, we can bring more love to the region and those who need it most. We look forward to leveling up in our efforts to make the Inland Empire a better place for us all.” In addition to sponsorship, IEHP supports the garden by providing volunteers through the company’s team member Helping Hearts program and Health Education team. Volunteers work alongside program leaders pulling weeds, planting trees, spreading mulch, building garden beds and irrigating crops.  “Through the right partnerships, compassion and drive to heal and inspire the human spirit, these gardens are thriving and bringing a diversity of wellness opportunities to our neighbors,” said IEHP Senior Community Health Director Cesar Armendariz. “We appreciate the love Music Changing Lives has for the Inland Empire and the people who live here and look forward to continuing to plant and harvest more gardens for a healthier community.” The health plan also provided sponsorship to “Jardín Comunitario de la Salud” – Spanish for “Community Garden of Health” – to help support a large aquaponics garden at the Loma Linda University Health SACHS clinic in San Bernardino.  The first of its kind in the Inland Empire, the garden is home to a large quantity of fish that work symbiotically, nourishing garden beds and working to create food that can be harvested and consumed by the community.  Gardens are located in Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Jurupa, Perris and San Bernardino. For more information on local community gardens, visit: riversidefoods.org.   

al services are to our well-being in this modern world. More than a dozen Inland Empire residents are now connected to the internet at discounted rates, thanks to Get Connected California! and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) events recently held at Inland Empire Health Plan’s (IEHP) Riverside and San Bernardino Community Resource Centers.     The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit to help ensure households can afford internet services they need for work, school, health care and more.  The benefit provides up to $30 per month toward internet access and offers discounts on laptops, desktop computers or tablets for eligible households.     To participate, eligible households must be enrolled in Medi-Cal or other government assistance programs like CalFresh, Lifeline or Supplemental Security Income. In addition, households must have four people with an annual income of less than $53,000.    “The internet is so much more than connectivity, it’s a tool that can move entire communities forward,” said IEHP Community Resource Center Manager Maria Gallegos. “We’re so proud of this partnership and look forward to doing all we can to inspire future events like these.”   To learn more about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program and to apply, visit affordableconnectivity.gov.    

, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) hosted Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County’s (CAPSBC) fourth annual 2022 Poverty Symposium Friday, July 29 at its headquarters.  The event gathered elected officials, policy makers and community leaders to share innovative solutions that tackle poverty-related issues in the county. The symposium also included a keynote address from University of California Riverside’s Professor of Public Policy, David Brady, and panel presentations comprised of experts from the housing industry, youth providers and more.  “We are so grateful for the IEHP team’s hospitality in allowing us to host this year’s Poverty Symposium at their facilities,” said Xiomara Henriquez-Ortega, Administrative Support Manager.   “Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County values our long-term partnership with IEHP, and we appreciate their continued support to help us further our mission of helping people and changing lives. This event was an important component of our advocacy efforts to impact change in our communities, and it is a collective effort we are working on with our key partners.”  IEHP’s 400,000-square-foot Atrium building is no stranger to hosting positive, impactful events. In addition to being a home base for more than 2,800 IEHP employees, the ENERGY STAR® certified facility has served internal team members, industry professionals and the community for celebrations and in great times of need.  Past events at the Atrium have included the health plan’s annual Mission Conference, innovative health information technology showcases, COVID-19 personal protective equipment distributions, super vaccine clinics and more.  “Events like the CAPSBC Poverty Symposium stimulate critical discussions and connections that move our communities forward,” said IEHP Senior Director of Community Health Cesar Armendariz. “We are extremely grateful for our strong partnership with CAPSBC and the great work they do and look forward to hosting future collaborations with our many community partners at our beautiful Atrium site as we work together to heal and inspire the human spirit.” 

vices PO Box 997413 Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 ContractPolicyAdmin@dhcs.ca.gov RE: Inland Empire Health Plan – Contractor and Grantee Report on Compliance with Economic Sanctions in Response to Russia’s Actions in Ukraine Dear Michelle, We have taken the following actions in response to Executive Order N-6-22 (EO) regarding sanctions in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. We have reviewed our investments and contracts and confirmed they comply with economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. We have requested our contractors with agreements for commodities, services, and technology to comply with existing economic sanctions. We have notified all contractors and grantees of their obligations to comply with economic sanctions. We have directed grantees, and contractors with agreements valued at $5 million or more, to report to the agency or department regarding their compliance with economic sanctions. We have directed all grantees, and contractors with agreements valued at $5 million or more, to report on steps they have taken in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, including, but not limited to, desisting from making new investments in, or engaging in financial transactions with, Russian entities, not transferring technology to Russia or Russian entities, and directly providing support to the government and people of Ukraine. Sincerely, Jarrod McNaughton, MBA, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

re District at the City’s Fire and Police Recognition Celebration on September 9. The distinguished award recognizes the health plan’s partnership with the City and County of San Bernardino to host an ongoing super vaccine clinic at the health plan’s headquarters. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, IEHP’s 400,000-square-foot headquarter building (known as the Atrium) was transformed into a super vaccination site in February 2021 where more than 36,900 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to date. “We are incredibly humbled to receive this recognition from the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “Hosting the vaccine clinic is very important to us. As a health plan, a partner of the city and county, we knew we needed to do our part to make these vaccines accessible.” Rancho Cucamonga Fire District’s Business Partner of the Year is traditionally awarded to a community business who assists the district as a problem solver. “This award is our humble way of expressing our gratitude for the partnership in this historic effort. We thank IEHP for opening their doors and making a difference in thousands of lives within our community during these unprecedented times,” said Ivan Rojer, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District’s Fire Chief. IEHP has been a Rancho Cucamonga Business Partner since relocating from San Bernardino in 2013. Prior to March 2020, IEHP’s ENERGY STAR® certified Atrium building supported more than 2,400 Team Members (IEHP employees), who have temporarily transitioned to full-time work-from-home schedules during the pandemic. “In addition to addressing the needs of our Members and residents throughout the Inland Empire, it means so much to us that we were able to open our building to provide more access for our friends and neighbors in Rancho Cucamonga as well,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP Chief Medical Officer. “We are incredibly grateful for the recognition and the ongoing support pouring into the vaccine clinic. And we look forward to continuing our partnerships to help increase vaccine rates in our region.” The clinic is located at 10801 Sixth Street in Rancho Cucamonga and is scheduled to run for the rest of the year. Appointments and walk-ins can be accommodated. Appointments can be made at SBCovid19.com/vaccine.

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.   

Maria found herself experiencing depression and longing for a purpose in life. Her home was missing the family bustle, boundless energy and joyful sounds from years past. “I would cry and cry there,” said Maria, 92, in Spanish about her modest, but empty, longtime San Bernardino home. As if an answer to her prayers, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) opened their San Bernardino Community Resource Center in 2015 — just steps away from Maria’s too-quiet space. “Thank God they put this center here,” expressed Maria. “I said to myself, ‘Oh, they couldn’t have put it in a better location. I’ve got to go, I can go walking, I don’t need someone to take me.’ It was practically at my front door.” IEHP’S WHY So, every day for the last seven years, Maria puts on her workout attire – complete with a spiffy pair of Skechers sneakers – and takes the short stroll from her house to the Community Resource Center, where she’s become a “crowd favorite” of sorts. “Maria is definitely a beautiful example of IEHP’s core value of placing our members at the center of our universe,” said Cesar Armendariz, IEHP’s senior director of community health.   Fully embracing the center’s wide-ranging offerings – all free of charge to anyone in the Inland Empire – Maria has taken a variety of fitness classes including Zumba®, aerobic boxing, Latin dance and yoga. She’s also spent time in health education classes, learning about asthma, diabetes and nutrition.  The staff at IEHP’s San Bernardino Community Resource Center look to Maria as their inspiration and motivation of their “why.” “She fully embodies the reason we provide these services,” said Armendariz. “Knowing we provided connection and heartfelt space for Maria to enjoy her golden years, instead of suffering through them alone in a spiral of isolation, fuels our own purpose. This is what healing and inspiring the human spirit looks like!” As an added bonus, Maria brings smiles to everyone she encounters, always engaging with IEHP team members and fellow community residents.  “Eventually, she was very involved with whoever walked through the door,” said IEHP San Bernardino Community Resource Center Team Member Marjorie Chavez. “It’s been amazing to see how everyone welcomes Maria and how she embraces everyone who walks through the center.” PLACE & PURPOSE To watch Maria stepping, turning and moving to the spicy sounds of the latest Zumba® routine – never missing a beat – you’d never know she’s 92. To witness Maria’s current-day, happy interactions with other people at the center, you’d also never know about the sadness that once filled her heart. For Maria, the emptiness she felt before IEHP entered her life is gone – and so are the tears. She now knows IEHP’s San Bernardino Community Resource Center is the place and the purpose she craved all along. “My whole life has changed here. I feel renewed,” said Maria, then adding an encouraging invitation to other San Bernardino residents. “Come to the center, because there’s help here for everyone – for our bodies and our minds.”  Click here to learn more about IEHP’s three Community Resource Centers. 

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.     

h Diversity Awareness and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. SNC is a mobile coffee shop in Ontario, California, that provides work opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nearly 95% of the staff at SNC identify as persons with disabilities. “This is the first time IEHP has partnered with SNC, but it will not be the last,” said Marisol Pilotin, IEHP Community Health Representative. “Every October, our Independent Living and Diversity Services teams organize informational workshops and trainings for our Team Members that highlight the importance of equity and inclusion. SNC is an incredible model of that, and the positive impacts on both their extraordinary employees and the community are undeniable.” The partnership includes the purchase and distribution of SNC coffee vouchers for IEHP Team Members (employees) who participate in various trainings and events throughout the month. Employees from SNC will also join the health plan as guest speakers at a virtual workshop titled, Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities. "Partnering with IEHP during Diversity Awareness Month helps us fulfill our mission of raising awareness and empowering individuals with special needs and/or mental illnesses,” said Mia Humphreys, SNC Administrative Director. “Special Needz Coffee and IEHP share the common goal of promoting acceptance of everyone's differences, whether they are based on racial, cultural, religious, or political beliefs, and, most importantly, their mental or physical abilities. We are both working toward providing individuals with special needs an equal opportunity to work at organizations that promote diversity and inclusivity.” SNC’s mobile coffee shop sets up in Ontario at 2920 Inland Empire Blvd. Suite 108 (in the parking lot near the freeway). The shop is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. “We’re really looking forward to continuing our partnership with SNC beyond this month’s celebration,” said Jose Solorzano, IEHP Community Health Representative. “Diversity should be celebrated every day, and we really appreciate that SNC reminds adults with disabilities that, through challenges and differences, they are able to make a positive impact in this world.” To learn more about SNC, visit specialneedzcoffee.com.

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.  

re’s first cross-county and cross-sector Community Health Assessment (CHA) this year. The assessment will shed light on the region’s most pressing health and social needs: mental health, homelessness, health equity and more.   Using a collaborative approach, IEHP is convening network hospitals, county public health departments, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to better coordinate ongoing regional health assessment efforts. The health plan will also provide sponsorship and recourses to ensure the collaborative assessment meets the needs of partners.  Historically, CHAs have paved the way for broad-based policy and system changes to promote community health. “The initiative will better align current Member and community assessments, including those conducted by our public health and hospital partners,” said Dr. Priya Batra, IEHP’s Senior Medical Director for Family and Community Health. “Working together, we can identify gaps and efforts needed to contribute to and move the region forward on a shared pathway towards vibrant health.” IEHP’s collaborative Community Health Assessment is currently underway and is expected to be completed in late 2022. “As a community-based health plan, it is our duty to connect Members to the care they need, as well as connect our partners to needed resources, all to ensure our Members and communities have the opportunity to improve their health and well-being,” said Dr. Takashi Wada. “We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders in our region to identify the most significant priorities for our communities.”

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.  

le with disabilities in the Inland Empire (I.E.). After applying and participating in the California Department of Health Care Services Physical Accessibility Review Survey (PARS), providers were selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and scheduled for table distribution by the fall. Receiving clinic locations include: Palm Desert, Corona, Hemet, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, and Indio with clinic types ranging from Adult Day Care Centers, OB/GYN clinics to Urgent Care Centers.  Studies indicate fewer than 10% of Primary Care Clinics in California reported having accessible exam tables, despite one in seven adults having a disability. “Being able to comfortably visit and be examined by your physician is critical to receiving optimal and complete care,” said Carmen Ramirez, IEHP’s disability program manager. “These exam tables provide patients with mobility challenges an opportunity to connect with their physician—with dignity.” The UpScale accessible exam tables, created by Medical Accessibility LLC, are ADA Compliant and ergonomically designed to enable a full-body exam with both height and weight measurements, important in-office visit elements that are often difficult for persons with disabilities.  “As an Internal Medicine-based clinic, our providers see some of the sickest patients with co-morbidities that challenge many of them in their fullest potential and quality of life,” said Denise E. Grant, ARMC Clinic Operations Supervisor. “Having an accessible exam table in our practice will allow us to better serve our patients who are challenged with obesity, are a fall risk, and/or have conditions that prevent them from standing on a regular scale. It would allow us to provide accessibility that enhances not only quality of care impacting the health of our patients but also contributing to our care team’s ability to collect key population health metrics.” To further support health equity and the need for accessible, comprehensive exams for residents with disabilities, IEHP also plans to provide comprehensive feedback based on each provider’s PARS response and conduct Culture Competency Trainings for providers who receive accessible exam tables.  The health plan will conduct accessible table distributions annually to increase the number of I.E. clinics that can offer accessible exams, increase access for residents with disabilities, and increase opportunities for better health outcomes. “Everyone is entitled to a safe and comprehensive medical exam,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP interim chief medical officer. “These exam tables and the pledge to continue this effort make that a reality for so many in our communities.  They also serve as an active reminder of the importance of health care equity and meeting our neighbors where they are to deliver optimal and vibrant care that benefits them as individuals.”  

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.  

rence on May 6. Held at its company headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga, the conference featured educational and networking opportunities and a keynote presentation from New York Times best-selling author and Reality-Based Leadership CEO Cy Wakeman.  The Mission Conference was first held in 2019 but took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The gatherings may have been paused, but the work certainly was not,” said IEHP CEO Jarrod McNaughton. “It was important for us as health care leaders to come back together to reflect on the challenges and successes of the past two years, strengthen our connections, claim our collective courage, and find opportunities to better meet the needs of those we serve in the Inland Empire.” Like the inaugural event, this year’s conference brought together health care CEOs, hospital board members and other industry leaders from across the state to share in collectively preparing for the future in a post-pandemic world.  This year’s event also honored the very first recipients of IEHP’s Living the Mission INSPIRE Award, which honors providers, community organizations and partners for their commitment to the health plan’s mission to “heal and inspire the human spirit.” This year awards recognized Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County for their dedication to eliminating effects of poverty and SAC Health System for its tireless support and service to residents in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Sharing her insight on what the pandemic can teach us about post-traumatic growth, Wakeman highlighted how experiences of the past year can be leveraged to build sustainable resilience and reduce burnout and exhaustion. “If you’re in health care, you need to do two things. You need to love people up and call people up. Remind people that what we do here is sacred,” Wakeman shared with conference attendees.  “What makes the IEHP Mission Conference unique is its ability to celebrate courage and truly inspire the future of health and wellness in the Inland Empire,” said IEHP Governing Board Chair and San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Putting all of that under one roof cultivates a type of collaboration that will sculpt and define Inland Empire Public Health Systems for generations.” To learn more about how IEHP is charting a collaborative path forward, visit iehp.org or follow IEHP on social media.   

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.”  

t’s why the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) initiated a series of Listening Sessions throughout the state, with the most recent event held at the headquarters of Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) in Rancho Cucamonga on Jan. 27.  The roundtable discussion focused on how the CalAIM state policy is being implemented in the Inland Empire and outlined improvement opportunities with DHCS Director Michelle Baass, Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs Jacey Cooper, Deputy Director Susan Philip, Assistant Director Tracy Arnold, and Health Program Specialist Brian Hansen. “Health is no longer just about a doctor’s office, a hospital or clinic. It’s about public health, behavioral health; things that are really going to influence a person’s life,” said Baass, who acknowledged the need and appreciation for the wide variety of care partners in attendance.  The group of DHCS representatives were met by IEHP leadership and nearly 70 Inland Empire partners including Molina Health Care and Kaiser Permanente to discuss priority issues, best practices and the experience of Medi-Cal programs for beneficiaries in our counties.  “I’m grateful to be sitting at the table, not only with our hospital folks, [but] along with housing and workforce solutions,” said Sayori Baldwin, Riverside County’s assistant executive officer of human services, who shared her team’s experience with child welfare and her colleague’s struggle to maximize and leverage funding for child welfare patients who have complex needs.  This meeting was the second in a larger series supporting DHCS’s ongoing effort to actively meet with and learn from various partners about the state’s Medi-Cal program.  “This discussion was a great opportunity to share details about the work being done, where the gaps lie and how DHCS can help us deliver quality and equitable care to the communities we serve,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s chief executive officer. “We appreciated the time and really look forward to continued collaboration and the inspired action to come out of these conversations.” Top row, from left: Brian Hansen, DHCS health program specialist; Michelle Baass, DHCS director; Jacey Cooper, DHCS chief deputy director of health care programs; Jennifer Cruikshank, Riverside University Health System chief executive officer; William Gilbert, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center chief executive officer. Bottom row, from left: Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer; Amanda Flaum, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. vice president; Susan Philip, DHCS deputy director; Tracy Arnold, DHCS assistant director.  

ices (DHCS) for their innovative Medi-Cal Primary Care Physician Auto-Assignment Redesign. On an annual basis, DHCS’s Innovation Award recognizes Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans (MCPs) that have excelled in improving the quality of health care for the millions of beneficiaries receiving Medi-Cal services through managed care.  This marks the fifth time IEHP has been honored by DHCS—more times than any other health plan in California. Prior recognitions for its forward-thinking efforts include utilizing location intelligence to reach Members (2020), creating the IEHP Housing Initiative (2018), developing Behavioral Health Integration Complex Care Initiative (2017), and organizing the Transitional Care Project (2015). “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and unwavering commitment to serving our Members, Providers and communities,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “These efforts support the work we are doing as we recommit to our Mission to heal and inspire the human spirit.” This year’s recognition shines light on IEHP’s PCP auto-assignment process, which focuses on directing health plan Members to Providers with high quality scores, ensuring Members receive optimal care and incentivizing Providers’ great work. To do so, IEHP created an assignment algorithm incorporating over a dozen weighted provider attributes related to their quality scores.     “Innovation allows us to see beyond our present circumstances and barriers and expand our thinking to what is possible for our Members and Providers,” added McNaughton. “In every connection, we have the ability to inspire and empower them to achieve their fullest potential.”

ricans, this can be an incredibly stressful time.  Especially for people already struggling, the holiday season can heighten feelings of grief, loneliness and other emotional pain.   Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Clinical Director of Community Behavioral Health Amrita Rai says holidays can elevate emotional highs and lows. “This time of year can add additional stress in our lives, and stress can possibly trigger conditions such as depression and anxiety,” said Rai. “Not everyone experiences the holidays the same; it’s OK to experience your feelings.” Rai offers the following tips for managing potential stress during the holidays: Breathe.  Set realistic expectations. Let yourself say no to new obligations. Set boundaries with others. Reach out for help. In addition, Rai recommends checking in often with those close to you, ensuring they are doing OK, especially when you notice a change in their mood or behavior. “It can be as simple as a text, a phone call or handwritten note,” added Rai. “Reach out and remind someone you love them, and you are there for them.”  If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, Riverside and San Bernardino counties encourage use of the local crisis numbers below for help: RIVERSIDE: 1-800-273-TALK (951) 686-HELP (4357)  1-877-727-4747 and Crisis text line: 741-741. SAN BERNARDINO:  24-Hour Crisis Line: (760) 365-6558 East Valley: (909) 421-9233 West Valley: (909) 458-9628 High Desert: (760) 956-2345 Morongo Basin: (760) 365-6558 San Bernardino: 1-877-727-4747 988 also offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress no matter where you live in the United States. For non-emergency support, IEHP Members can also call IEHP Member Services at 1-800-440-IEHP (4347), Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-718-4347 and ask to speak with the Behavioral Health department.