LOS ANGELES (Sept. 10, 2025) – L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan gave away more than 19,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at more than 30 free events across Los Angeles County from June to August. The events were open to the public and took place primarily at the health plans’ Community Resource Centers (CRCs).
"Every child deserves to feel excited and well-equipped for the first day of school, but for many families, the cost of supplies can fill that important milestone with anxiety," said Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. "These backpacks are a small gesture with a big impact – helping children feel confident and ready to learn."
In addition to the backpack giveaways, select events featured family-friendly activities and offered health services to children and their families, including screenings, vaccinations and access to food pantries.
“We know that the start of the school year can be a stressful time for many families,” said Kristen Cerf, Blue Shield Promise president and CEO. “We’re committed to meeting members where they are. These back-to-school events at our Community Resource Centers are a great example of how we bring crucial resources directly to local communities. Academic excellence and peace of mind for students and their families begin with empowering them – not only with essential school supplies but also with access to health services and other resources. That’s why these events are so important.”
The more than 19,000 backpacks given out this year add to nearly 100,000 backpacks distributed since 2019. The annual summer distribution events are part of L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise’s broader efforts to address the social needs of under-resourced families. Year round, L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers offer a variety of free fitness, nutrition and health education classes and programs aimed at improving overall community well-being.
About L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County serving more than one of every four Angelenos. It is also the largest publicly operated plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Medicare Plus and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County's low-income communities, and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access and inclusion, elevating health care for all of L.A. County. For more information, follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal. It is led by healthcare professionals with a "members-first" philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for about 580,000 members across Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It was rated 4 out of 5 in NCQA's Medicaid Health Plan Ratings 2024. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit promisenews.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn.