#USA #Los Angeles #Blue Shield #L.A. Care #School Supplies

Nearly 16,000 Backpacks Distributed to Equip Students for School

In an uplifting initiative aimed at supporting education in the Los Angeles community, L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan collaborated to distribute almost 16,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. This generous effort spanned nearly 60 events across Los Angeles County, providing much-needed resources to thousands of families preparing for the academic year ahead.

The majority of the backpack distribution took place at 14 Community Resource Centers operated by both health insurers. These centers are dedicated to ensuring that families receive year-round access to vital classes, workshops, and community resources. According to Charlie Robinson, the Health Equity Director at L.A. Care Health Plan, preparing for a new school year extends beyond just having the right supplies. It also involves ensuring that children and their families receive the support needed for their success.

“By bringing together school supplies, healthcare services, and community resources throughout Los Angeles County, we are helping to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for children to thrive,” Robinson emphasized.

At some events, families also had the opportunity to receive preventive pediatric check-ups and vaccinations. Personalized assistance was available for Medi-Cal access, enrollment, and renewals, which helped families maintain access to essential health coverage. This comprehensive approach addressed both the academic needs of students and the health necessities for their families.

Kristen Cerf, President and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, pointed out that for many families, preparing for back to school goes far beyond just purchasing supplies.

“These events assist families in accessing healthcare, Medi-Cal support, and community resources that can make a significant difference in their daily lives. Our commitment through Community Resource Centers is to meet families where they are and offer trustworthy support to help them thrive throughout the year,” Cerf stated.

This year's backpack distribution contributes to a broader effort that has seen more than 100,000 backpacks delivered by L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise since 2019. The initiative represents the health insurers' commitment to supporting the health, education, and overall well-being of families beyond mere healthcare provisions. Through their Community Resource Centers, residents can access free health training, wellness classes, Medi-Cal enrollment assistance, and various other services throughout the year.

About L.A. Care Health Plan

L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County, serving over one in four Angelenos. Furthermore, it is the largest public managed care plan in the nation. L.A. Care provides health coverage through multiple plans, including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Medicare Plus, and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Plan. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission centers on facilitating access to quality healthcare for low-income communities in Los Angeles County and supporting the social safety net necessary to achieve that goal. L.A. Care focuses on quality, access, and inclusion, enhancing healthcare services across Los Angeles.

About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed healthcare organization wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering the Medi-Cal plan. It is led by health professionals who prioritize “members first” and work to create a network of quality providers and partnerships with community organizations to serve over 500,000 Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The plan achieved a rating of 4 out of 5 in the NCQA’s 2025 Medicaid plan evaluation.

To learn more about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, visit blueshieldca.com/promise or follow on LinkedIn.