Inland Empire Health Plan Celebrates 30 Years of Community Health Initiatives

Inland Empire Health Plan Celebrates 30 Years of Caring Together

In recognition of World Heart Day, the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is excited to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a campaign titled "30 Years, Caring Together." This initiative highlights the organization’s decade-long commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in one of Southern California's rapidly growing areas.

Community Impact and Growth
Since its inception on September 1, 1996, IEHP has grown significantly from serving 62,000 Medi-Cal members with a network of 650 providers to now providing affordable health insurance to an impressive 1.4 million residents. This means that around one-third of the Inland Empire's population relies on IEHP for their healthcare needs. Notably, IEHP's community-centric approach has transformed healthcare delivery, making it more accessible through various initiatives such as vaccination clinics, well-child screenings, and telehealth services.

Chief Executive Officer, Jarrod McNaughton, remarked, “What began as an innovative idea to keep healthcare access local has become a vibrant community of over a million individuals who trust us with their health.” He emphasized the organization’s focus on compassion and service, especially for those most affected by healthcare inequities.

30 for 30 Challenge
As part of the anniversary celebrations, IEHP is launching the "30 for 30 Challenge," a community wellness initiative aimed at encouraging members, providers, and local residents to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week for a total of 30 days. This initiative spans October and November, with activities such as walking, cycling, fitness classes, and meditation being promoted. The challenge not only aims to foster individual well-being but also strengthens community connections through health initiatives.

Moreover, IEHP will feature 30 for 30 activities at its Community Wellness Centers in Riverside, Victorville, and, starting in November, in San Bernardino. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in community wellness activities, connecting through exercise and promoting healthier lifestyles.

A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on the anniversary, Chief Operating Officer, Susie White, stated, “For 30 years, healthcare with heart has meant listening to our communities and finding new ways to meet people where they are.” This commitment has driven IEHP to continuously expand its services, enhance its provider network, and bring healthcare resources directly into the neighborhoods where they are needed most.

As IEHP looks forward to its next chapter, its mission remains focused on healing and inspiring the human spirit. Decisions are continually guided by the needs of its members, prioritizing their health and well-being.

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but this anniversary is really about what we can accomplish together next,” McNaughton added, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving better community health outcomes. The milestone serves as a reminder of the lives touched, families supported, and communities united in a common goal of health.

About IEHP
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is a local public health plan dedicated to serving 1.4 million residents in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Established as a government entity in 1996, IEHP stands among the largest Medicaid health plans and is recognized as the nation’s largest publicly operated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. Notably, IEHP has been honored for six consecutive years as A Great Place to Work®. The organization's expansive network now includes over 10,000 quality providers and almost 3,600 dedicated team members committed to fostering optimal health within their communities.

For more information about IEHP and its initiatives, please visit iehp.org.