Long Beach, Calif. – L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan today announce the official grand opening celebration for their Community Resource Center in Long Beach. The Center, located at 5599 Atlantic Avenue, is one of 12 out of 14 planned centers jointly operated by the health plans throughout Los Angeles County.
The Center offers a wide range of free fitness and wellness classes, programs, and services that are open to the general public to enhance the community’s overall well-being.
“At a time when life stress seems to be through the roof, we are pleased to offer free resources that positively contribute to physical, mental, and social health,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “There is something for everyone under one roof, so we welcome residents of Long Beach to take advantage of these offerings and jumpstart a healthier lifestyle.”
Visitors to the center will have access to various offerings, including:
• Fitness activities such as Zumba, yoga, cardio dance, and resistance training
• Nutrition classes and hands-on cooking demonstrations
• Homework help for students in grades K-12
• Stress reduction and management classes
• Educational resources about healthcare coverage options including Medi-Cal renewals
“Today marks an important milestone for Blue Shield Promise’s partnership with L.A. Care and joint commitment of $146 million to open 14 community resource centers across Los Angeles County,” said Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “So much of our work to improve the health of Medi-Cal populations is about meeting people where they are in the community and empowering them with access to resources they need to lead healthier lives. The establishment of this Center, gives Long Beach residents a one-stop destination to enhance their lives and personal wellbeing.”
L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise recognize that building healthier communities requires addressing multiple social factors that impact health. Therefore, the Community Resource Centers and programming have been designed with a holistic approach.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include the presence of several local elected officials, and features a Acjachemen tribal blessing, Cambodian blessing dance by Modern Apsara Company, and orchestral music performed by students from the neighboring Lindbergh STEM Academy. The Center is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To learn more about the Community Resource Centers, visit www.CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.