#United States #Inland Empire #Health Plan #Community Wellness #Rancho Cucamonga

Holiday Spirit in Inland Empire

As the festive season approaches, the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is making strides to ensure that local families experience a joyful holiday. This November, the organization held turkey giveaways for residents in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Victorville, responding to the increased stress many face during this time.

On November 14, a remarkable turnout was observed at the San Bernardino Community Wellness Center. Lines began forming well before the noon giveaway began, indicating the high demand for this act of kindness. Each household received a free turkey weighing between 14 to 16 pounds. In total, the health plan distributed around 340 turkeys to local families, aiming to alleviate some of the pressure faced by those in need during the holidays.

Cesar Armendariz, IEHP's Senior Director of Community Health, expressed the initiative's importance, saying, "The holidays are core memories for many families, and by providing them with a turkey, we hope this will be something they remember in the future." This sentiment was echoed throughout the event, highlighting the emotional and social significance of shared meals and family gatherings during this season.

As part of the giveaway event, attendees were encouraged to participate in the Turkey Basics 101 Workshop. This interactive session taught guests essential skills such as how to prepare a turkey, effective cooking techniques, and how to store leftovers properly. Maria Gallegos-Moreno, manager of the Riverside and San Bernardino Community Wellness Centers, emphasized the importance of this educational aspect. "A lot of people might not know how to cook a turkey or how to make the leftovers stretch further after the holiday. So, it is our hope to have an impact on someone's holiday celebration in this way," she said.

The workshops included easy-to-follow recipes that encouraged attendees to get creative with their turkey leftovers. Innovations in holiday meals can often lead to even more cherished moments at the dinner table.

Inland Empire Health Plan is not stopping at the turkey giveaways. They are gearing up for a busy holiday season with a roster of various themed events throughout November and December. All activities are offered at no charge and aim to foster community spirit and togetherness. Residents can look forward to more events that engage and uplift the community.

For more information about upcoming events, interested parties can visit IEHP’s official website at www.iehp.org or call 866-228-4347 for a complete event calendar.

About Inland Empire Health Plan

Founded in 1996, the Inland Empire Health Plan has become recognized as one of the largest Medicaid health plans in the U.S. With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, IEHP serves over 1.5 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The organization prides itself on offering quality services, including its recent introduction of Covered California plans to enhance health care access for local residents. With a commitment to community health and wellness, IEHP strives to ensure that everyone in the region can enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.

This holiday season, the IEHP is nurturing the spirit of community, reinforcing its commitment to helping residents navigate through challenges with support and kindness.