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By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal medical assistance program Medicaid, has announced that it is expanding access to maternal health, including doula services.

The expansion is expected to have a critical impact on the health of Black mothers and expectant moms. Nearly half of Black Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal.

Black mothers are approximately four times more likely to die than their White counterparts to die from pregnancy-related complications, according to The California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Black maternal mortality rate is three times higher than the rate of mothers of White Hispanic and Asian moms. And Black babies are two times as likely to die before their first birthday than White babies.

Erica Holmes, Chief of Benefits Divisions for the California Department of Health Care Services spoke during an online news briefing in June organized by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) to provide more details about Medi-Cal’s expansion into the doula space.

“The department has issued a standing recommendation for doula services. Medi-Cal members don’t have to get a separate written referral for services. All they need to do is find a doula who accepts medical to start receiving care. The department also has a doula directory where members can find doulas who accept medical by county.”

According to Medi-Cal, the doula services are available to expectant moms as a birthing care pathway for members who elect to use it from conception through 12 months. It is also available to new moms with services such as postpartum care, parent-child dyadic care, and other benefits.

Kairis Chiaji, a Medi-Cal approved doula services provider with 25 Years of experience, spoke during the online news briefing, informing attendees about the value of doulas and the services they provide.
“A lot of people don’t know what doulas do. I would liken it to a personal trainer, but for childbirth. Our job is to get to know you, what your goals are for your body and baby, to help you come up with a plan and remember your plan,” she said.

Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support to patients before, during and after childbirth. In the past, their services were not covered by most medical insurance plans.

Now with Medi-Cal’s new expansion, they are.

Public health professionals in California largely agree that doulas are essential to closing racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes particularly for Black, American Indian, Latino, Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander parents and infants. They help improve birth outcomes and reduce the number of c-section births, epidurals, premature deliveries and prevent post-natal problems like low birth weight, anxiety, and labor length.

Chiaji spoke about the value a doula of color brings to the birthing process. The disparities in care and service women of color experience in medical care are well documented. Chiaji says her practice prioritizes Black and indigenous women.

“As people of color and community members, we also have shared experience with our clients. We have been those birthing people in the various environments,” she added. We have encountered the same language or culture barriers, we have had the same unanswered questions and understand the benefit of having someone who not only can explain it but really be a bridge between the community member and the birthing environment, especially in hospital settings.”

Due to the Medi-Cal expansion, doulas will now be reimbursed at the same rate as other service care providers, which Chiaji says is a game changer for individuals in the field.
“We were able to move our state into a position of understanding that a large part of healthcare is leveraging relationships. And the group who have the ability to found and maintain those relationships are birth workers.”

As of June, 455 group and individual doula applications had been approved in California with 336 of those being approved individual doulas.

“We know that our country and our state are in a maternal health crisis,” said Chiaji. “There are injuries and losses that statistics say 80% of which are preventable. As a birth worker and doula, we are able to fill in a lot of those gaps. We are able to amplify the voices of families, we are able to recognize with something is not ok earlier on. We’re able to help our clients navigate healthcare

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

During the California Assembly floor session on August 12, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) joined their colleagues in the Legislature to approve statewide recognition of Black Girl Joy Day last week and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) week next month.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 226, introduced by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) officially designated August 10 as Black Girl Joy Day in California.

“This day is not just a celebration, but a profound acknowledgment of the vibrant roles that Black girls play in enriching our state’s diverse tapestry,” said Wilson.

“Black girls in California embody resilience, creativity and potential despite facing systemic challenges from a young age, including higher rates of school discipline and exposure to violence. They continue to make significant contributions across various fields,” added Wilson.

The Assembly voted 75-0 in favor of recognizing Black Girl Joy Day in California.

During that same floor session, the Assembly passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 222 with a 76-0 vote.

ACR 222, introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), officially designated the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities week in California.

“For hundreds of years Blacks were not allowed to attend American institutions of higher learning – not because we weren’t smart enough, but because of racism and segregation. So, we created our own institutions of higher learning,” said Weber, representing her alma mater, Xavier University, in a white and gold letterman cardigan.

Weber noted that although HBCUs represent only 3% of institutions of higher learning in the country, they produce 24% of Black STEM professionals.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) spoke about his experiences as a proud parent of Morehouse and Hampton graduates.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) shared her perspective as the daughter of a Prairie View A&M Graduate. Her mother relocated from Texas to Los California, where she was born.

“In September of 2023, President Biden proclaimed September 24th through 30th as national HBCU week, Weber continued. “In an effort to align with what has already been done on the federal level, I respectfully ask for your I-vote on ACR 222 to declare the fourth week of September as HBCU week.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

On August 13, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) elected Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) and Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) to serve as its next Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

“The CLBC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in its ability to represent and advocate for the needs of Black Californians, a responsibility that I deeply care about,” Weber stated.

“As I begin my tenure as Chair, I am committed to ensuring that the CLBC upholds its exceptional legislative advocacy, strong partnerships, and exemplary programs as we focus on the major issues impacting our communities,” she continued.

In her new role as Chair, Weber replaces Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and Bryan succeeds Vice Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) who is termed out at the end of the current legislative session and announced that he is a candidate for Lt. Governor.

“I want to thank our immediate past leadership team for their unwavering commitment to lead during these past two years,” Wilson stated. “Together, we have been a powerful force, championing legislative policies and budget items with the purpose of enriching the lives of Black Californians. I look forward to working with our new leadership as we continue to work to uplift over two million Black residents living in California.”

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) has been elected Treasurer and Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) will serve as Secretary.

The newly elected officers will assume their two-year terms in December.

California is transforming Medi-Cal to better support and meet the whole-person care needs of members experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

Medi-Cal provides members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital and addresses their physical and mental health, and also social drivers of one’s health such as housing.

Medi-Cal is opening the door to essential health care services for the most vulnerable populations, no matter where they live or seek care.

Enhanced Care Management

Enhanced Care Management is a new Medi-Cal benefit that assigns a dedicated Lead Care Manager, a personal guide who helps qualified Medi-Cal members navigate all medical, dental, social, and community services such as housing navigation, housing deposits, and more.

Enhanced Care Management takes a whole-person, interdisciplinary approach to care to address clinical and non-clinical needs of members with the most complex medical and social need and serves as a safety net of care coordination for high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Our unhoused population has inadequate access to shelters and experiences a lack of food and care,” said Glenn Tsang, Policy Advisor for Homelessness and Housing for the California Department of Health Care Services. “These members tend to have extensive medical and mental health needs that are difficult to address in an unstable living environment. To help address their needs, the Enhanced Care Management benefit builds consistent connections to medical care, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing stabilization services.”

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs through Community Supports
Community Supports are services or care settings, in addition to those required under the California Medicaid State Plan, that Medi-Cal managed care plans may elect to offer. The goal of Community Supports is to provide services that address a member’s health-related social needs that may be exacerbating their health condition, such as housing instability. Among the 14 services available as Community Supports services, six are specifically focused on helping unhoused members.

Many of these services empower high-risk individuals and families to live healthier lives in less restrictive settings and avoid unnecessary emergency visits and inpatient nursing facility admissions. They include services that go beyond traditional care received in a doctor’s office and may include housing deposits, housing transition and navigation services, housing tenancy and sustaining services, short-term post-hospitalization, recuperative care, and day habilitation.

Street Medicine
Street medicine is a set of health and social services developed specifically to address the unique needs and circumstances of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, delivered directly to them in their own environment. The fundamental approach of street medicine is to engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness exactly where they are and on their own terms to maximally reduce or eliminate barriers to care access and follow-through.

Medi-Cal Expansion
Starting on January 1, 2024, all eligible Californians qualify for full scope Medi-Cal coverage, regardless of immigration status.

This expansion allows even more Medi-Cal members to potentially qualify for Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, among other services, to improve outcomes for California’s most vulnerable populations.

“By expanding Medi-Cal, we’re addressing the root causes of health disparities and providing equitable access to quality health care, leading to a healthy California for all,” said Tsang.

How Providers Support Members
Providers are vital in delivering Medi-Cal’s expanded services, ensuring the most vulnerable members receive the care they need. These providers include, but are not limited to, housing service providers, housing organizations, and other organizations that have an existing footprint consistent with Community Supports activities and in the communities they serve. Providers are essential in providing dedicated care management, ensuring seamless transitions and continuous support across various housing settings.

Street medicine providers also offer direct medical care to individuals on the streets, build trust by consistently providing compassionate services, and use comprehensive care management platforms for efficient coordination. Providers include Federally Qualified Health Centers, mobile medicine units, and many other organizations that provide care to unsheltered members living on the street.

They collaborate with community-based organizations and community support systems like schools, food banks, and housing agencies, and offer proactive support when patients transition through emergency departments, homelessness, or incarceration.

Encouragement to Seek Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of homelessness, Medi-Cal’s expanded services offer vital support for members enrolled in a managed care plan to improve their health and well-being.

For more information, call the state’s Medi-Cal Managed Care Office of the Ombudsman at (888) 452-8609 or email MMCDOmbudsmanOffice@dhcs.ca.gov.

In San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

So, if you are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County, your health and well-being matter. Medi-Cal’s expanded services are here to support you every step of the way.

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, TN – Petty Officer 3rd Class Vanessa Garcia, a native of Hesperia, California, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Garcia graduated from Hesperia High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hesperia.

“Growing up, I learned that one of the most important things in life is having good friendships,” said Garcia. “My closest friends live in Los Angeles; I’ve known them since middle school. I also made good friends when I was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. Back home and everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve met some amazing people who are all very different and I’ve appreciated all of it because it shows me different aspects on life. These people have been there for me during my hardest times and have been a great support system to me. I want to be part of that support system for others.”

Garcia joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Garcia serves as a hospital corpsman.

“I joined the Navy to get a head start on life,” said Garcia. “I was looking for opportunities to learn new skills and wanted to be good at something. I wanted to be a cryptologic technician interpretive (CTI), which is a language analyst, but they didn’t have any billets available at the time. I knew I wanted a job that included helping people so my recruiter gave me the option of hospital corpsman.”

Garcia works in the emergency department at Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay and is training to become a corpsman assistant for sexual assault medical examinations.

“I like giving people the care and support they need,” said Garcia. “When I was a kid, I used to watch ‘Avatar: The Last Air Bender.’ The TV show’s main character brings peace and balance to the world and the spirit realm during a time of war. The characters had to work together to end the war and destruction. They demonstrated leadership, friendship, finding inner strength and showing positivity in the face of adversity. I wanted to emulate these qualities in my own life. I wanted to be part of a team.”

Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay provides health care to the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community, which consists of approximately 4,500 military members, federal employees, U.S. and foreign national contractors and their families. The hospital also operates the only overseas military home health care facility providing care to elderly special category residents who sought asylum on the installation during the Cuban Revolution.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Garcia serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Garcia has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is hard to define,” said Garcia. “I’ve learned so much in three years. Working in labor and delivery taught me about patience, working with different personalities and how to interact with patients while learning skills from the nurses. They gave me my first real experience in how to be a leader. I surprised myself and did more than I thought I was capable of, and it made me see that I’m a hard worker who can do hard things and see those things all the way through.”

Garcia is also proud of serving in the intensive care unit aboard USNS Comfort during Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian mission that saw Comfort complete mission stops in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras.

During these mission stops, Continuing Promise medical teams focused on working alongside partner nation medical personnel to provide care on board and at land-based medical sites to increase medical readiness, strengthen partnerships and enhance the combined capabilities of the U.S. Navy and partner nations to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises.

Continuing Promise 2022 saw more than 13,000 patients, participated in more than 25 subject matter expert exchanges, conducted five humanitarian assistance and disaster relief workshops, shared in 18 Women, Peace and Security initiative events and partook in 11 community relations engagements.

“We visited South America, offering aid to every country we visited,” said Garcia. “We faced challenges because of the language barrier and didn’t have many translators so we had to learn phrases in Spanish to try to communicate. The great effort the medical team put toward helping people made a difference in countries that didn’t have much medical support. I felt proud to be part of that support.”

Garcia can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I get to be part of something greater by serving my country and the Navy,” said Garcia. “I get to be part of history.”

JOANN’s newest store in Rancho Cucamonga, California recently celebrated its Grand Opening weekend! The new, 35,000-square-foot store showcases the latest JOANN branding, broadest category assortment, and experience for customers – the team couldn’t be more thrilled to open the doors of creativity to this community.

Customers couldn’t wait to get inside and shop the new JOANN, and more than 125 waited patiently for the 9am official opening on Friday, 8/9. Those in attendance enjoyed special offers, gift cards, and swag for joining the celebration.

The Rancho JOANN location will be partnered with a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and Kids in Need Foundation organization, who will enjoy monetary and product donations throughout the year.

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Elijah Rodarte, a Hesperia, California native, uses night vision goggles to search for surface contacts from the bridge of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 25. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to August 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media  

SAN BERNARDINO – Julie Michaels has been appointed Executive Director of Inland (spacing) Action, a non-partisan, business-oriented nonprofit group which works with public and private organizations to better the economic climate of the Inland Empire and Southern California.

A resident of the Inland Empire since 1987, Julie is the founder and owner of JB Michaels Consulting, a private firm providing leadership, board development and project management services.  She has a wealth of experience across diverse fields, having worked as a contracts and senior business administrator for TRW at Norton Air Force Base, a teacher and National Academic Advisor serving the western region of the United States including both Redlands Unified and San Bernardino City School District, and a senior healthcare executive.  Julie most recently served as Executive Director of Plymouth Village LPC in Redlands where she was involved in advocacy work in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., on healthcare bills and initiatives.

Julie has served on numerous local boards including the University of Redlands Trustees, the University of Redlands Alumni Association (Past President), Redlands Symphony, United Way and the Redlands RotaryClub, where she was Rotarian of the Year in 2005. She is a current member on the Redlands Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Julie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Mathematics from California Lutheran University, an MBA from the University of Redlands, both multiple-subject and single subject California teaching credentials, and a California senior care license. While she has lived across the country, both Julie and her husband Barry have called the Inland Empire home since the late 1980’s. Barry is a 34-year employee of Esri, and together they have two grown children.

Julie succeeds Carole Beswick, who served as CEO for 17 years, and Deborah Barmack, who served as President for 12 years.

City of Grand Terrace Mayor Bill Hussey, City Council Members and others Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Condor Energy Storage Project in San Bernadino County, California

GRAND TERRACE, CA-– Arevon Energy Inc., a leading renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion and start of operations of its 200 megawatt (MW)/800 megawatt-hour Condor Energy Storage Project in San Bernardino County, California. The project will annually power up to 150,000 homes for up to four hours during peak electricity demand periods and will provide an estimated $25 million in property tax payments over its lifespan, supporting the county as well as the local school district.

With the project stakeholders in attendance, the ribbon-cutting event not only celebrated the project’s completion but also the community support for helping San Bernardino County meet its Climate Action Plan goals. Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon, provided remarks at the event, along with Mayor Bill Hussey, City of Grand Terrace; Council Member Jeff Allen, City of Grand Terrace; David Lincoln, Senior Vice President at Rosendin Electric, Inc.; and Charles Neighbours, Principal at Grand Terrace High School.

“The Condor Energy Storage Project signifies our ongoing commitment to energy storage technologies and to advancing clean, renewable energy across the nation,” Smith said. “As California looks to achieve its sustainability goals and brings more renewable energy online, battery storage is an essential component to ensure grid reliability and facilitate further renewable energy adoption. Our projects here provide viable economic revenue, cleaner air for the community, and reliable energy access throughout the state.”

“The government has identified the need for clean renewable energy, and Arevon has come up with a solution for that need,” said Mayor Hussey. “Basically, don’t waste the watts and save them when needed. So, (Waste Not! Watts Not!) I am also looking forward to working with Arevon on our energy needs and on our educational needs for this technology.”

The Condor ribbon-cutting ceremony recognized the efforts and collaboration of the project’s commercial partners and local labor organizations who contributed to bringing the facility online. Condor features Megapack 2 XL, Tesla’s state-of-the-art, utility-scale battery energy storage system, which is the most advanced technology available on the market today and provides superior safety and protection for both the project and the surrounding community. Tesla has also been contracted to provide operations and maintenance services for the project. Southern California Edison (SCE) has purchased the project’s capacity under a long-term agreement. As one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, SCE is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean energy today and in the future. Rosendin served as the engineering, procurement, and construction provider and hired local electrical workers from IBEW Local 477, Operators Local 12, Iron Workers Local 433, Laborers Local 1184, and Carpenters Local 909 to build the facility.

“Rosendin values every member of these hardworking, collaborative teams that dedicated 280,000 work hours on this project that will help power local businesses, schools, and homes when energy demand is at its peak,” Lincoln said. “As a longtime partner with Arevon, we are proud to work with them to deliver energy projects that strengthen local communities while providing jobs and building our future workforce.”

As the long-term owner of the Condor Energy Storage Project, Arevon is committed to supporting the local community and its worthy initiatives. During the event, Arevon was privileged to present donations to the Women’s Club, Lions Club, and Grand Terrace Foundation. In addition, Arevon partnered with Grand Terrace High School and Riverside-based Industrial Metal Supply to initiate the creation of a 3D metal sculpture, which was on display during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Grand Terrace High School (GTHS) students owned the entire process, from conception and design to welding the sculpture, which measures 15 feet in length. Each element was carefully separated out to ensure that no material was wasted, and Arevon worked with Industrial Metal Supply to order the steel for the sculpture. In addition, the Condor Energy Storage Project has committed to a contribution of $200,000 to provide shade for students at Grand Terrace High School along with a donation to the GTHS School Site Council.

Arevon is a renewable energy leader in California with nearly 2,500 MW in operation and more than 1,200 MW under construction. The company has recently issued various announcements celebrating achievements at several of its California projects, including offtake agreements for the Cormorant Energy Storage Project and the Avocet Energy Storage Project. Arevon also closed financing on the Eland 2 Solar-plus-Storage Project, the Condor Energy Storage Project, as well as the Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project, the nation’s first utility-scale solar peaker project which was the recipient of IJGlobal’s Renewables Deal of the Year – Energy Storage Award.

About Arevon

Arevon Energy, Inc. is a leading renewable energy company, supplying clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy to utilities and businesses, while powering the energy transition across the United States. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and with a regional office in New York City, Arevon’s more than 250 mission-driven employees use innovative approaches and leading-edge technology to develop, build, finance, own, and operate renewable energy projects. Arevon owns and operates more than 4,000 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar, storage, and solar + storage hybrid projects as well as distributed generation assets in 17 U.S. states. The company is currently constructing more than 2,000 MW of new capacity and has a robust development portfolio of more than 6 gigawatts. For more information, visit www.arevonenergy.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Pastors United –SBPU has been providing spiritual leadership in San Bernardino County since 2016. The organization was founded by a group of Pastors in San Bernardino, expressing a desire to work with the chief of police to help stop and prevent violent crime in the city.

Over the years the organization has had several presidents. The first was Dr. Joshua Beckley, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. The next one was Pastor Robert Cuencas of The Way World Outreach Church, and then Dr. Reginald Woods of Life Changing Ministries. These extraordinary men of God, did extraordinary work.

A new era has begun as Pastor Marco Garcia, Sr. Pastor of the Way World Outreach Church, leads the organization. Continuing the mission to combat murders, engage our civic leaders, and provide support to families through community engagement activities.

Many community members attended the 10:00 a.m. ceremony held on Wednesday, August 14, at 4835 Hallmark Parkway, in San Bernardino.

According to Pastor Reginal Young, a spokesman for the group, “The organization is excited about the next chapter as it continues to battle crime, homelessness, drug additions, youth runaways, political corruption, and the economy. Pastor Garcia has been an advocate for the residents in San Bernardino for years. He has a strong faith and belief in the people of the community. He believes, each church must grow and reach the lost. As we help more people who are hurting, restoring more lives; our love will show the world.”

Reverend Young finalized, “Join the movement as we work in unity with the power of God’s favor. May God continue to bless you. Visit our website at www.sbpastorsunited.org for more information email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Thank you for your prayers of support!”