Successes from July 2023 through June 2024
Health Plan –Your Partner in Health & Wellness
ACCOUNTABILITY & LEADERSHIP
Focused Leadership with a Collaborative Spirit
I am immensely proud to share the strides we have made in enhancing access to quality health care across our region. Health Plan’s innovation is driven by a commitment to member-centered care, and we continually adapt to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community. We expanded our provider network to address local access challenges, invested in technology to facilitate the secure exchange of health information, and collaborated across sectors to improve health outcomes. Additionally, Health Plan reaffirmed our dedication to addressing social determinants of health by working alongside community organizations to tackle issues like housing instability, food insecurity, childhood adversity, transportation availability, and other non-clinical factors that impact our community’s wellbeing. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower our members and are eager to continue delivering the highest quality service and care through our strong partnerships.
Lizeth Granados CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Success Built on Strong Leadership
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (“Health Plan”) remains committed to improving access for people who qualify for Medi-Cal. We are proud of our commitment to preserving our safety net, in partnership with our community and providers, to provide quality health care to our diverse population.
We are focused on quality initiatives that address health inequities to ensure our members receive access to the best care possible. Learn more about us in our Strategic Roadmap – a window into the framework of our mission and goals, now through 2026.
Go to bit.ly/HProadmap or scan the QR code to access our three-year Strategic Roadmap!
Capturing the Community Spirit through Local Governance
The membership of Health Plan’s governing body, the San Joaquin County Health Commission, includes public servants, community representatives and local physicians. The Commission establishes and monitors the strategic direction of Health Plan to improve access and health care equity in our community. This year, our Commission grew to include representatives from each county we serve.
Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, Program SJCH Director, Family Medicine Residency Program + Co-Director, Advanced Obstetrics Fellowship
Paul Canepa, San Joaquin County, Board of Supervisors
Jim Deil, Chief Assistant Director, El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency
Michael Herrera, DO, Medical Director of Quality, St. Joseph’s Medical Center
Ruben Imperial, CEO, Stanislaus County
Brian Jensen, Regional Vice President of Hospital Council, Vice Chair
Jay Krishnaswamy, CEO, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto
Sandra Regalo San Joaquin County, Acting Administrator
Genevieve Valentine, Interim Director of Health Care Services, San Joaquin County Chair
Terry Withrow, Stanislaus County, Board of Supervisors
Terry Woodrow, Alpine County, Board of Supervisors
John Zeiter, MD, Ophthalmologist
Congratulations former Commissioner, Christine Noguera, on your ACAP recognition! Read more at bit.ly/noguera24
Expanding Access
Delivering Quality Healthcare to New Communities
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Local Health Plans of California, San Joaquin Health Centers (SJ Health) and Health Plan staff discuss the importance of reaching people where they are through SJ Health’s Street Medicine program.
More Than Just a Health Plan – We Are Your Neighbor
Hello, Placerville!
Health Plan’s successful expansion into two new service areas is the result of tremendous teamwork by dedicated staff, community partners, and Alpine and El Dorado County leaders.
Jim Deil, Chief Assistant Director (El Dorado County HHSA) and Supervisor Terry Woodrow (Alpine) represent our new service area as members of our governing Health Commission. We celebrated the launch of Mountain Valley Health Plan by organizing a welcoming event in November 2023 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds where our teams forged new partnerships and collaborations with providers, community-based organizations, and other local stakeholders.
“We were excited to be selected by El Dorado and Alpine counties to serve as the local managed care public health plan. Over the past year we have focused on building partnerships, with community-based organizations, local healthcare providers and county agencies that support the Medi-Cal population. As we deepen these partnerships, it provides us a better understanding of how we can help support the unique needs and healthcare access challenges in the region. Our goal is to work alongside our community partners to ensure our members receive high quality healthcare.”
Evert Hendrix, Chief Administrative Officer
Rooted in a Connected Community
We moved in to our new office located at 4327 Golden Center Drive in Placerville, which provides us with opportunities to serve the local community. This location, in addition to our French Camp and Modesto offices, allows us to assist our members and gather with partners and providers.
Join us at our new location in Placerville!
We have expert staff on hand to answer all of your questions and address your needs on the phone and in person.
A logo that embodies the area it serves
Mountain Valley Health Plan’s logo includes the rich, agricultural soil of the valley, and takes us on a journey to the well-known backdrop of mountains, “Job’s Peak,” located in Alpine County and considered the most prominent peak in the area. MVHP’s logo represents a desire to grow, while retaining the organization’s history and commitment to health access for all through our cherished symbol of diversity – our butterfly, which is also an important mark of our San Joaquin and Stanislaus County logo that represents the colorful and diverse population we serve.
team member greeting members at our new office.
Take a virtual tour of our Placerville office at bit.ly/MVHPtour
Placerville
Guided by Our Community: The Core of Who We Are
Mountain Valley Health Plan is committed to engaging with community partners such as the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce to be part of the collaborative, engaged membership it serves. Our partnership has provided opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with Community-Based Organizations and local businesses. Health Plan’s leadership team and staff are proud to take part in ongoing meetings with county and public health leaders to identify the unique needs of El Dorado and Alpine County.
We are establishing our presence in the community through the launch of ongoing efforts that include:
Identifying mutual priorities to advance public policies that drive health care access and quality for members
Health Plan’s Cultural & Linguistics Manager chats with community partners at meet and greet event.
Reporting on issues that impact community health to inform key decisions made by elected officials
Thank you to Alpine and El Dorado County community partners for welcoming Mountain Valley Health Plan to the community!
• First 5 Community Hubs
• El Dorado County Public Health
• El Dorado County Community Health Centers
• El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce
• El Dorado County Health & Human Services Agency
• El Dorado County Office of Education
• El Dorado County Probation Department
• El Dorado County Library
• El Dorado County Public Health
• El Dorado County Board of Supervisors
• El Dorado County Fair & Event Center
• El Dorado Transit
• El Dorado Community Health Center
• Food Bank of El Dorado County
• Alpine County Public Health
• Alpine County Chamber of Commerce
• Alpine County Health & Human Services
• Alpine County Board of Supervisors
• Alpine County Office of Education
• Boys & Girls Club – Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County
• Public Housing Authority –Placerville and South Lake Tahoe
• City of Folsom
• City of Placerville
• City of South Lake Tahoe
• Washoe Tribal Healing Center
• Salvation Army
• Catalyst Community
• Marshall Medical Center
• Barton Community Health Center
• Barton Memorial Hospital
• Golden Sierra
• National Alliance on Mental Illness –El Dorado County
• Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless
• Gold County Health Center
• Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center
• Gold Rush #1034
• Hands4Hope
• South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center
Community member learning more about Mountain Valley Health Plan services and resources.
A New Path to Whole Person Care
Ribbon cutting for Taft Community Center mural and community baby shower for local fathers, sponsored by Health Plan in partnership with Reinvent South Stockton Coalition and Black Infant Health.
CalAIM Initiatives
Transforming Medi-Cal for a Healthier Community
As we operationalize CalAIM, we have successfully built a strong provider network, trained and stabilized our workforce to deliver focused case management, and continued to develop our technology to improve data analysis capabilities.
The Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports Services (CSS) programs are distinctive elements of the CalAIM transformation.
Health Plan staff and local city and county officials show support for St. Mary’s Pathways Project at July 2023 press conference in Stockton. The project is a result of the CalAIM initiative to address housing instability and improve health equity.
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Community Supports Services (CSS)
Health Plan introduced the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program to give extra care for members with more complex physical, behavioral and social needs.
ECM provides Health Plan the unique opportunity to facilitate new ways for our community-based organizations (CBOs) to engage in public health and meet the clinical and non-clinical needs of targeted populations through the coordination of health and health-related services. These populations include:
• People who use the hospital frequently
• People experiencing homelessness
• People with serious mental health needs
• Adults living in the community and at-risk for long-term institutional care
• Nursing facility residents transitioning into the community
• People transitioning from incarceration
• Birth equity population focus
• Children in child welfare programs
Coordinating services to address a member’s physical, mental, and social needs requires collaboration with community-based organizations. Health Plan works with our ECM providers to conduct outreach to assigned members, engage them into enrolling into ECM, and deliver ECM services. Through this collaboration, we have:
Increased the number of ECM providers for both San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties
Increased care team staffing for core roles such as community health workers (CHWs), social workers and outreach workers
42 Total ECM Providers
Our Community Supports program aims to address social determinants of health by offering non-traditional services to our members that help them live healthier lives and avoid higher, costlier levels of care. CSS assists with housing supports, medically tailored meals, post-hospitalization care, recuperative care services and other resources to help Health Plan members meet their social needs. These members include those who:
• Are transitioning from nursing homes
• Are recovering from substance abuse
• Need help finding housing
• Need help with nutrition and meals
• Are in need of in-home assistance
Addressing the whole person gives Health Plan and our providers a better chance for overcoming the barriers to health care that our members experience. Through the CSS program, Health Plan:
Added recuperative care service providers in Stanislaus County
Offers 14 DHCS pre-approved services in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties; 13 in Alpine and El Dorado counties
Developed initial plans for two additional sobering center locations
77 Total CSS Providers
“The Wellness Center continues to be a hub of activity in our school’s community. It has become a place to pause and reflect as well as connect with others in a safe, inclusive environment. Through our check-in process, we have found nearly 60% of our students have visited the Wellness Center in the last 4 months!”
Jeremy Sinclair, Counselor Venture Academy Family of Schools
Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP)
SBHIP goals and metrics are associated with targeted interventions that increase access to preventive, early intervention and behavioral health services for TK-12 children in public schools.
Health Plan funded over $13 million towards assessments and interventions that have created wellness spaces in the community, expanded the behavioral health provider network and increased access to Medi-Cal services.
By collaborating with local schools, medical providers, school-affiliated programs, county offices and mental health providers, we have assisted with outreach to help families and communities become familiar with behavioral health services including behavioral health screenings, referrals, wellness programs, and care from clinicians, psychologists and mental health providers at school sites.
We continue to build strong partnerships to include more participating schools in this program, increase access to Medi-Cal services, and expand the behavioral health workforce.
Partnering with 20 schools in the four counties we serve!
The Venture Academy wellness space in Stockton provides a welcoming space for teens to receive mental health support.
Venture Wellness Academy students and staff.
Sheltering Those in Need
St. Mary’s Community Services – Stockton
St. Mary’s Dining Room is currently an Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Support provider for Health Plan. Health Plan funded over $5.4 million to support the Pathways initiative in San Joaquin County. Plans for this project include 238 units with up to 332 beds where members can stay for up to six months with 24/7 room access. The focus will be on vulnerable groups such as those with severe mental illness and seniors, providing services such as recuperative care and emergency shelter.
Martin’s Story
“I don’t have the words to describe how blessed I am by St. Mary’s. It changed me and made me a better man. Being here and seeing how caring and loving the organization is and how much they help people has made me change the way I think and feel about people.”
Martin Torres, former client of St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s kitchen staff noticed his strong work ethic as a volunteer and encouraged him to apply for a permanent position. He now works as Kitchen Assistant and is an excellent employee. Martin has gone from living in his car in the St. Mary’s parking lot, to becoming gainfully employed and permanently housed.
Stockton city and county officials with Health Plan staff broke ground in March 2024.
Gospel Center Rescue Mission – Stockton
Health Plan committed $3 million in funding to Gospel Center Rescue Mission’s New Life Program Multipurpose Center in Downtown Stockton. This three-story center houses 130 people and serves as a safe facility where recuperative care, substance use treatment, and mental health services are provided to people with complex needs.
Kestrel Ridge Supportive Housing Project – Modesto
Health Plan and community partners came together for the grand opening of Kestrel Ridge in Modesto – eight permanent, supportive housing units for individuals and their families living with mental illness and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Residents live independently and have access to on-site support services that help them excel in their recovery.
Walker Pointe Apartments –Hughson
Partnered on 15 HHIP programs which housed (and are working to house) 1,100+ individuals.
Health Plan celebrated the grand opening of Walker Pointe in Hughson – 20 permanent, supportive housing units for individuals recovering from mental illness. These one-bedroom, one-bath units provide a safe, affordable environment for tenants on their journey towards recovery.
Healthcare Services on the Streets of Our Community
Health Plan committed $1 million in funding to San Joaquin Health Centers (SJ Health) to bring outreach, treatment and resources into the streets, encampments, sloughs, and other areas of our community. The range of care and services included wound care, chronic disease management, medication management, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive health resources, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, and more. Gifted funds helped build an infrastructure that will allow SJ Health and other partners to start and continue providing needed services to more unhoused individuals with chronic conditions or acute issues that could otherwise get worse.
As of April 2024, over 1,100 street medicine encounters – serving 600+ Health Plan members.
Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP)
DHCS’ Housing and Homeless Incentive Program (HHIP) is another example of how Health Plan and our partners come together to help our members. Health Plan distributed $26.5 million to connect Medi-Cal members who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness to the resources they need to find a home. The funds not only make an impactful change for unsheltered community members, but they also support Health Plan members that need behavioral health and rehabilitation services. Thank you to those that partnered with us on over 20 community projects to ensure our members get the referrals and support they need for housing and other health services.
• Stanislaus Community Services Agency
• Stanislaus Equity Partners
• Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority
• Traveler’s Motel Service Provider: RHCB Development LP
• Downtown Streets Program
• The Uplift All Foundation
• City of Lodi
• Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Inc.
• SJ Health Street Medicine Program
• Stocktonians Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs (STAND)
• St. Mary’s Dining Room
• County of San Joaquin
• Central Valley Low Income Housing (CVLIHC)
• City of Tracy
• Community Medical Centers Street Medicine Program
• San Joaquin County Housing Authority
“It gives me a feeling of worth and value that I don’t have to be out on the streets.”
Donnie, DST team member
Support for the Downtown Streets Team
Downtown Streets Team (DST) is a unique opt in case management volunteer work experience program for people at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Case Managers and DST team members work together to remove barriers so housed individuals can reach self-sufficiency.
Health Plan awarded the Modesto DST with funding to assist people experiencing homelessness obtain housing. With a goal of assisting 10 individuals in ending their homelessness through this partnership, the project outcome was 80% higher than projected, allowing 18 individuals to obtain housing.
Donnie secured housing, ending his almost two years of homelessness. He shares what it means to him to be housed this long. “I didn’t think I would be housed at all so it’s an amazing feeling. It gives me a feeling of worth and value that I don’t have to be out on the streets.”
Success of DST One-Year Work Program
Elevating Health through Quality Care
Health Plan staff discuss the importance of making connections and direct outreach to members and our provider partners.
Building a More Inclusive Healthcare System for Our Members
Health Plan is focused on creating a robust culture of health equity by identifying and reducing health disparities. Partnerships with our provider and community partners have led to effective collaboration to drive equity in care. Some of this work has been accomplished through:
398
22 Local Hospitals
8 Federally Qualified Health Centers
8
29
San Joaquin County father attends community baby shower with newest addition to his family.
Increased Access for Breast Screenings with Mobile Mammography Van
Health Plan engaged Alinea Medical Imaging to provide ongoing mobile mammogram services near provider offices in our community. The Mobile Mammogram Van provided access for essential preventive screenings to our members and offered them more opportunities to complete a mammogram.
Van + schedule flexibility + location + PCP premises: Combined, these helped to decrease the kinds of inconvenience and other barriers Health Plan members may face when trying to complete a health screening. We are pleased to offer our providers this service so they can encourage their Health Plan patients to get essential breast health exams at their offices in ways convenient for both patient and practice.
Participating Provider Locations 15+ 200+
Health Screenings Completed
Health Plan’s commitment to promoting oral health in our community included the education of 70 medical assistants at our fluoride varnish training clinics.
Promoting Oral Health through Training and Education
The absence of fluoridated water in the local water supply can leave our youngest members vulnerable to tooth decay. Training medical assistants in our region how to properly apply fluoride varnish ensures that preventative measures are available to those who need it most.
Supporting Positive Birth Outcomes for Black Mothers and Babies
Health Plan sponsored the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) of San Joaquin County’s inaugural Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) Symposium. Focusing on racial justice and uplifting black women and birthing people, the symposium successfully connected local providers with community advocates and members, promoting health equity for black mothers and babies. This inspiring event included health care staff and leaders from our community and throughout California who provided information needed to reduce pregnancy and childbirth disparities amongst women.
“As we strive for a healthier more equitable community, it’s important we prioritize the well-being of every mother and child, especially within our black birthing population. While the challenges around black maternal and infant health is undeniable, there is still joy to be experienced. Let’s create a San Joaquin County where positive birth outcomes are not just an aspiration but a reality.”
Kim Robinson, Black Women for Wellness
While mother learns more about resources available to local parents, her smallest family member takes a rest.
Black Infant Health (BIH) Partnership Represents More Than 24 Years of Collaboration
We work with the San Joaquin County BIH team to promote prenatal and postpartum services to our members as a member of the Perinatal Equity Initiative. Together, we address issues that local parents may face such as lack of transportation or access to items like diapers and strollers. Our partnership includes facilitating health education classes for birthing families in our community.
It Takes a Village to Raise Healthy Babies
Health Plan supported new and expecting parents by hosting five community baby showers where attendees learned about breastfeeding, doula services, paternal roles, and received support with housing, food, transportation and more. While the showers were open to all, the focus was on reducing health disparities in communities of color and supporting local parents with resources and supplies they need for a successful birthing and parenting journey.
Thank you to Livingston Community Health, Black Women for Wellness, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, Health Services Agency WIC Program, San Joaquin Delta College, San Joaquin County BIH Program, San Joaquin County Public Health, Delta Health Care and The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center for your support of successful community baby showers!
“Since early 2000, Health Plan and BIH have shared a heartfelt partnership. Their dedicated staff ensures our BIH community receives the utmost support for preventive healthcare, fostering a warm care environment and collaboration. With Health Plan’s unwavering support, BIH participants thrive in a nurturing space, promoting health and a genuine sense of well-being.”
Angela Egbuchulam, MSW, ACSW, MHP
Public Health Mental Health Professional/Interim BIH Coordinator
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. partners with Health Plan to provide gifts to community baby shower attendees.
Tamesha Turner – Flourishing Families, Inc. (L) and RC Thompson – Reinvent South Stockton Coalition (R) celebrate mother-to-be and local doula, Dymon Hanes (middle).
Healthy and Ready to Learn
Health Plan launched the Back to Care backpack campaign with a goal of promoting well child visits and adolescent immunizations among our pediatric members between ages 5-18 of age. With the help of our doctors and clinics, we educated members and distributed backpacks as positive reinforcement for meeting preventative checkups for the year. Health Plan was able to distribute over 4,000 backpacks full of health information and school supplies to support our members physical health, mental health and health literacy. Improving health literacy for our members increases their ability to make informed decisions and access the care they need.
“The backpack campaign promotes education and preventive health for members of the community. It demonstrates as healthcare providers that we are as much invested in members education, as we are in their health.”
Vanessa M. Macias, SJ Health – Quality Improvement Analyst
With the help from 52 provider partners, we distributed 4,000 backpacks!
Improving Access to Care – A Provider and Health Plan Partnership
Provider Recruitment Grant Program
Health Plan went live with our Provider Recruitment Grant Program in 2023. Since the launch of the program, we have added close to 30 new providers from various specialties to our network.
Top Health Plan Providers
We acknowledge the commitment of our valued network of providers who are determined to help keep our members as healthy as possible. Below is a look at our top five provider partners who were in the highest (75-90th) percentile for three key performance measures*.
Breast Cancer Screening (BCS):
• Adventist Health Physicians Network
• Livingston Community Health Services, Inc.
• Family First Medical Care
• Dignity Health Medical Foundation
• March Lane Medical Clinic, Inc.
Child and Adolescent Well-Care Visits (WCV):
• Anuradha Dubey, MD, Inc. (All For Kids)
• Pediatric Associates of Stockton
Health Plan committed over $415,000 in funding to support workforce initiatives. Success includes:
• Expansion of our provider network by recruiting new providers
• Increased access to primary care physicians, non-physician mental/ behavioral health services, and providers in hard-to-recruit specialties
• Increased access to services that decrease avoidable emergency room visits and preventable admissions to acute care hospitals
As part of our continued goal, we are focused on recruiting for hard-to-recruit specialists in the fields of endocrinology, neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, hematology/oncology, plastic/reconstructive surgery and in service areas where we have identified access issues.
• Jagmohan S. Bhinder, MD, Inc.
• Moti Medical Corporation (Eaton Pediatrics)
• Sou Her, DO, Inc.
Hemoglobin A1c Management for Diabetics:
• Krishnamoorthi MD, Inc.
• Geriatrics Long Term Care Medical Corporation
• March Lane Medical Clinic, Inc.
• Adventist Health Physicians Network
• Family First Medical Care
Embracing Community, Empowering Wellness
Health Plan staff and community members celebrate at Hmong New Year Festival.
Engaging Our Community
Health Plan’s team is made up of over 500 dedicated individuals who come together for one reason: to serve our members. By connecting with current and potential members, community-based organizations, and our network of providers, we can assist those who need help navigating their health plan benefits and ensure they receive quality health care. Partnership and collaboration are key drivers of our efforts to connect with the communities we serve.
700+
Direct health education connections
Outreach events
400+ funded by Health Plan to support community investment programs, grants, and philanthropic events.
$1.3 million
Member Development Representative provides information to resource fair attendees.
Helping Our Members Stay Covered
Health Plan released funding in the amount of $380,000 to support the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Medi-Cal Continuous Coverage Unwinding campaign. The grants from Health Plan directly supported agencies working with San Joaquin and Stanislaus County’s nearly 650,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries to increase outreach and assist people with the renewal process. These local partners conducted outreach and offered assistance to help Medi-Cal beneficiaries navigate the renewal process: Golden Valley Health Centers, Livingston Community Health, Community Medical Centers, Centers for Human Services, Sierra Vista Cares, and Catholic Charities.
Health Plan employees raised over $36,000 to support our local United Way organizations, proving their dedication and commitment to serving the community.
Health Plan community relations staff with former Modesto City Council member, Tony Madrigal, at El
“The funding from Health Plan was instrumental in enabling our team to assist the community with renewal applications. It allowed us to expand our outreach efforts to the community most impacted by the Medi-Cal changes. As a result, we can offer more accessible and efficient assistance to community members navigating the renewal process. This support led to a higher rate of successful Medi-Cal renewals, ensuring that individuals continued to receive the vital healthcare coverage they need.”
Karina Franco, Family Resource Director, Sierra Vista Child & Family Services
Rematito Market.
Creating Equity and Investing in Our Community
Ensuring Better Access to Healthcare
Health Plan launched a Community Reinvestment Program as part of our 2023-2026 strategic roadmap to improve health for residents in Alpine, El Dorado, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. Through an investment of $100 million over the next three years, Health Plan will transform care delivery, expand provider access, and improve the quality of health care in our communities.
• Access to barrier-free quality care
• Support for local innovation
• Strategic & transparent spending
• Integrity Principles of our Community Reinvestment Program:
• Beneficial to our members
• Partnership with community
Our initial investments include:
• Capital Projects Grant
• Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Grant
• General Funding Grant
• Lead Screening for Children Initiative
• Provider Recruitment Grant
• Standard Data Sharing Health Information Exchange (HIE) & Non-HIE Grant Program
“We are grateful for the positive work taking place in our community. Health Plan’s vision of a healthy community with equitable access to quality care is only possible through strong partnerships and meaningful collaboration. We recognize the work of Reinvent South Stockton Coalition and Flourishing Families. Thank you for raising up women, particularly women of color. Everyone in our community is deserving of the opportunity to receive encouragement, access resources, and support their growing families. Health Plan believes in the work we are doing together, because we believe in the mothers of our community who are seeking guidance so that families can thrive.”
Lakshmi Dhanvanthari, Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer
Flourishing Families, Inc. team members, along with Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, celebrate grand opening of The Birthing Tree lactation room.
Partnering to Improve Health & Wellness
Health Plan has focused on community investments in the San Joaquin Valley, which is one of the most medically under-resourced regions in California. These investments broaden our access to care for our members by growing our network of primary care physicians, mental health providers, Community Health Workers, and other specialty providers.
Initiatives such as provider recruitment funding and workforce training and education have helped our goal of expanding the number of medical professionals serving the Valley. We have prioritized and increased support of local students through our Health Careers Scholarship Program. These future medical professionals come from and understand the Valley’s diverse patient populations and the health issues affecting our region.
Health Plan awarded 36 scholarships totaling $104,000 to students at University of the Pacific, CSU Stanislaus, San Joaquin Delta College, Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Medical Society – Decision Medicine Program, Health Careers Academy High School, and Grace Davis Health Careers Academy.
Celebrate With Us!
Take a peek at the 2024 Health Careers Academy and Decision Medicine graduating classes, and the participants of Stanislaus Medical Society’s annual Destination Medicine Student Health Conference (a Health Plansponsored event). Visit bit.ly/HCSawardees to learn more.
Health Plan Chief Medical Officer presents certificates to Decision Medicine scholarship awardees.
Health Careers Academy graduate.
Funding Pathways to Resources
Health Plan sponsored $25,000 towards the grand opening of The Birthing Tree – San Joaquin County’s first community lactation room. The funds support our partners, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition and Flourishing Families, Inc., and celebrates the work being done through the Black Birth Equity Initiative.
The Birthing Tree is a safe space that provides help for families to learn best birthing practices, receive perinatal education, and get support and resources including doula services lactation professionals and Community Health Workers (CHWs).
“I am so happy that a space like this exists. Breastfeeding is not always welcome in public spaces, so it is refreshing to have a place to go that truly embraces you. I attended one of the first Mother Land support groups through Flourishing Families and the women were there to help get me comfortable and in position to feed my child. In public, you can struggle with trying to cover up and manage a stroller and other items while watching over a toddler. I didn’t have to worry about this in the lactation room.”
Dymon Hanes with son, Ezarah
As a Medi-Cal managed care provider, Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (“Health Plan”) offers a broad network of providers and works closely with physicians to develop programs and services to ensure quality health care for over 422,000 members. Health Plan strives to improve healthcare delivery for underserved families and individuals in Alpine, El Dorado, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.
VISIT US TODAY!
7751 S. Manthey Road French Camp, CA 95231
1025 J Street Modesto, CA 95354
4327 Golden Center Drive Placerville, CA 95667 Mountain Valley Health Plan Take a virtual tour of our Placerville location now!
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