By Shirley Hawkins
Contributing Writer
CRENSHAW — Neighborhood residents are now able to enjoy a newly opened community resource center where a choice of 15 classes, programs and services will be available ranging from exercise to CPR classes.
Jointly operated by Los Angeles Care and Blue Shield, the center replaced a Dollar Tree store and was five years in the making.
“Our goal is to remove any barriers keeping participants away from health and wellness,” said center manager Arturo Piña. “We know that health and mental wellness go hand in hand.”
“We know that a healthy life depends on more than just medical checkups, so we are excited to bring South L.A. residents a variety of practical resources that enhance physical and mental well-being, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life,” said John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care.
“Since the start of our partnership with L.A. Care, the focus in our community resource centers has been on listening to the needs of our members and local residents,” said Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “We are helping to transform health care by investing in the communities we serve, and bringing unique programing and assistance to social services so that all L.A. County residents stay active, healthy and informed.”
The jointly operated center is part of a $146 million commitment to help address local health, behavioral and social needs. One more center is planned for opening this year in Lincoln Heights, bringing the total to 14 community resource centers serving Los Angeles County.
“The response to the opening of the center has been tremendous,” Piña said, adding that all classes and services are free and open to the public. “You don’t have to be a health plan member to participate.”
According to statistics, African Americans and Latinos have the highest health disparities in the country. Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are among the most prevalent ailments.
To help combat the disparities, classes at the center will focus on a participant’s total well being.
Classes will cover a range of topics that will address a participant’s physical and mental health that include yoga, zumba, meditation and healing, balance and stability as well as healthy eating, building credit (in Spanish and English), CPR, overdose prevention and first aid.
A self-esteem class in Spanish and classes for youngsters between 4 and 10 are also available.
The center also offers assistance in enrolling in Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, Covered California and CalFresh programs.
“We are also going to offer financial literacy classes in partnership with Chase Bank to help members of the community become more knowledgeable about their finances,” Piña said.
Class space is limited on a first come basis. Child care can be provided for class attendees.
L.A. Care member orientation for new members will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 and a fall fest healthy eating resource fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 5710 Crenshaw Blvd. Call 213 428-1410 for more information or visit the website at CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at metropressnews@gmail.com.
