#United States #Sacramento #Health Net #Pro Football Hall of Fame

Honoring Community Heroes in Sacramento

On February 4, 2026, amidst the excitement leading up to the Super Bowl, Health Net, a prominent Medi-Cal managed care health plan, joined forces with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to celebrate the Sacramento community with the impactful events "Salute to Service" and "Strong Youth, Strong Communities". These annual events, strategically held near the Super Bowl host city, aim to recognize local heroes and inspire the next generation through mentorship and encouragement.

Saluting Healthcare Heroes

The day began at the WellSpace Health Alhambra Community Health Center, where Health Net partnered with WellSpace Health to honor the essential work of healthcare professionals serving Sacramento's most vulnerable communities. WellSpace Health operates as a nonprofit community health system, providing a range of services including medical, dental, mental health care, and substance use treatment for Medi-Cal, Medicare, and uninsured individuals.

Amber Kemp, Vice President of Medi-Cal Strategy, Execution, and Engagement at Health Net, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others. She stated, "Events like 'Salute to Service' and 'Strong Youth, Strong Communities' allow us to honor the healthcare heroes and inspire our youth to lead with compassion and resilience. Together, we can promote health and well-being in Sacramento for generations to come."

Christie Gonzales, Chief Operating Officer of WellSpace Health, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of their staff’s dedication to serving the community, stating, "This recognition highlights a deeply committed and deserving team. We are immensely thankful."

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty also joined in recognizing the healthcare heroes, noting, "Sacramento is a city built on the foundations of compassion, service, and community power. Today, we honor our healthcare heroes and celebrate the partnerships that empower our neighborhoods. Together through events like these, we build a stronger and healthier future for every Sacramento resident."

Joining the celebrations were Pro Football Hall of Fame members, including Warren Moon and Fred Biletnikoff. They participated in a tour of the clinic, enjoying breakfast with WellSpace Health employees and offering autographs. The event also featured a question-and-answer session, with opportunities for media interviews with speakers and athletes.

Empowering Local Youth

Following the morning events, community athletes and partners moved to River City High School for the "Strong Youth, Strong Communities" assembly. In collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters, more than 2,000 students engaged in a dynamic program filled with motivational talks from legendary football players and community leaders, including Amber Kemp and representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The assembly aimed to equip young attendees with essential life skills, leadership lessons, and the inspiration to reach their full potential. Pro Football Hall of Fame member Darrell Green, now a motivational speaker, commented, "Growing up today can be challenging, and our youth face significant obstacles. Through Strong Youth Strong Communities, we educate young people about the importance of openly discussing mental health and empower them to improve their lives and communities."

Jacob Geivett, the principal of River City High School, expressed the value of having Hall of Fame members and community leaders speak with the students about their experiences. He noted, "Hearing honest stories about overcoming adversity, prioritizing mental health, and relying on support systems reinforced the lessons our teachers strive to instill daily at River City High School. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to show our students that setbacks do not define them; it's how they face these challenges that truly matters."

Both events reflect the deep commitment of Health Net, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and their partners to honor those serving and uplifting the youth in the Sacramento metropolitan area. Health Net and Centene Corporation ensure a lasting dedication to the military community, addressing diverse healthcare needs for veterans and active service members' families.

For more information on these events and future community initiatives, please reach out to Health Net or WellSpace Health.

About Health Net

Health Net, LLC, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, was established in California over 45 years ago, believing that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of age, income, employment status, or current health condition. The organization provides health plans for individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, as well as those eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With a network of over 117,000 providers, Health Net serves more than three million members statewide. In addition, the organization offers access to substance abuse treatment programs, behavioral health services, and managed care products for prescription medications.

For further information, visit Health Net's website.