The new program is expected to improve health conditions in several communities in Riverside County and could expand to San Bernardino County.
Inland Empire Health Plan, the nation's largest nonprofit Medicare/Medicaid public health plan, announced a $20 million grant to the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation, a public charity.
The goal is to help residents make healthier choices, starting in the communities of Riverside, Coachella, and Mead Valley.
The foundation will work with Blue Zones, LLC, along with Riverside University Health System, according to a Thursday, April 11, news release. The organization works with communities to encourage healthy choices through “policy, urban design, food systems, and social networks,” according to its website.
Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard said a 2023 study commissioned by Riverside University Health System, Riverside County's health department, with Blue Zones has led to conversations with the foundation about funding the effort. He said that he had “started”.
Bradbird said organizers will initially talk to residents and plan to implement the program over several years. Officials later hope to launch a similar effort in San Bernardino County.
“Part of the mission of the Department of Public Health is to be the healthiest community in America,” Kim Sarwatari, director of public health at Riverside University Health System, said Wednesday, April 17. ”
According to the interactive map, Riverside County's Healthy Places Index score is in the 39.3rd percentile, meaning it is healthier than 39.3% of California counties.
“We were looking for a way to improve the overall health level of a community faster than traditional methods,” Saruwatari said. That approach often requires waiting for grants.
The specific program plan will depend on the needs of your location.
“We're not telling the community what we need; the community is telling us what it needs,” Saruwatari said.
This may include supporting access to public services and benefits, such as nutrition programs, or encouraging change in the community. For example, she said, grocery stores could stock the checkout line with healthier foods rather than candy or potato chips. Restaurants can emphasize healthier options on their menus. Alternatively, the program may survey community parks and open spaces to consider improvements or promote community activities such as walking her groups.
“This is a grassroots effort,” she said, adding that business owners, city government and community groups will participate.
Coachella's Health Index score ranks in the 13.9th percentile. The city of Riverside is 39.5. The two unincorporated areas that overlap Mead Valley have scores of 9.81 and 62.4.
Communities for the next phase have not yet been selected, but Saruwatari said Banning, Corona, French Valley and Palm Springs are being considered. Her goal is to expand the program throughout the county, she said.
The project is expected to take over the next five years.
