Anthem Blue Cross Unveils New Resources and Community Supports with the Opening of its Community Welcome Center in Bakersfield 

The grand opening of the Anthem Blue Cross Wellness Center marked a historic milestone and a monumental victory for the community of Bakersfield, California. On the sunny afternoon of June 27th, a vibrant gathering of community members and elected officials came together for the unveiling of Anthem’s Community Welcome Center at 1491 White Lane. The air was filled with excitement and hope as they discussed the myriad opportunities the center would offer to provide access to care and serve the community.

By Jason Land, Jr. | Contributing Writer

The grand opening of the Anthem Blue Cross Wellness Center marked a historic milestone and a monumental victory for the community of Bakersfield, California. On the sunny afternoon of June 27th, a vibrant gathering of community members and elected officials came together for the unveiling of Anthem’s Community Welcome Center at 1491 White Lane. The air was filled with excitement and hope as they discussed the myriad opportunities the center would offer to provide access to care and serve the community.

Anthem Blue Cross has long been revered for its unwavering dedication to healthcare and wellness. Their commitment to serving the community is deeply rooted in an understanding of the unique challenges faced by the residents of the Central Valley, challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Through strategic collaborations with members and community-based organizations, Anthem Blue Cross aims to improve health outcomes and create meaningful, sustainable advancements that will enhance overall wellness. The center seeks to assist with preventative care to prevent illness, alongside disease management. The establishment of this Wellness Center stands as a testament to their mission, promising a brighter, healthier future for all who call Bakersfield home.

The goal of Anthem Blue Cross’s Wellness Center is to amplify the voices of marginalized groups within the Bakersfield community. The center aims to be a comprehensive resource for health and wellness, providing medical knowledge and support to anyone in the community, especially those who have difficulty accessing such information.

“When I think about the opportunity, it’s not about one organization opening up an office, but rather having an open door for organizations that are helping our people who need it. We have an opportunity to help people navigate a complex healthcare system. An opportunity for us to just be there,” said Les Ybarra, California Medical-Health Plan President.

The Anthem Blue Cross Wellness Center is dedicated to fostering partnerships and building relationships with community organizations that serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries and low-income residents. By addressing food insecurities, assisting with benefits, offering health education, partnering with local health centers, and coordinating healthcare, the wellness center brings numerous advantages to the community. Whether it’s help with food, housing, transportation, healthcare, or financial and social support, Anthem’s Wellness Center is available to everyone.

Five local community-based organizations who received funds from Anthem Medi-Cal (in no particular order): African American Network of Kern County American, Indian Project, Bakersfield Foundation, Kern Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and SIKH Women’s Foundation (Photo: Jason Land, Jr.)

As part of the center’s introduction, Anthem presented $2,500 each to five local community-based organizations to support its mission of improving health and wellness in the region. The recipients were the African American Network of Kern County, American Indian Project, Bakersfield Foundation, Kern Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and SIKH Women’s Foundation. These awards aim to further extend support to community members and provide additional resources for these organizations.

“Your investment in our community is allowing us to be connected as we become healthier! Your development of this community center brings us all together and connects us! Thank you, Anthem Blue Cross, for all that you’re doing for our community in improving our wellbeing,” spoke Karen Goh, Bakersfield Mayor.

Anthem highlighted that each organization is fighting for a cause within its own sphere, while also bringing the community together to better understand the benefits the wellness center has to offer. The African American Network of Kern County’s mission is to help as many people in their communities as possible by using unity to promote responsible and meaningful programs designed to educate, create economic parity, generate job opportunities, produce positive role models, and enhance the culture of the African-American community. The American Indian Project is a culture-based health access and advocacy program designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of the urban American Indian and Alaska Native peoples in Kern County. The Bakersfield Foundation serves as an avenue for the public to donate to capital improvement projects and beautification efforts that benefit the community. The Kern Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and enhance business opportunities for their membership and provide business and cultural resources to the Hispanic community. They strive to create innovative and influential business programs that will promote Hispanic business and economic development at the local, state, national, and international levels. The SIKH Women’s Foundation is based on the principle of oneness through community—regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

In recognition of their outstanding work within the community, Anthem Blue Cross was awarded certificates of recognition from esteemed officials within Bakersfield’s community. Among the officials was Jay Tamsi, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, who shared heartfelt words of appreciation for Anthem.

“Thank you for allowing us to be here and thank you for your contribution. It’s wonderful to be around so much diversity and culture, and we [Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce] are going to be here for you!” said Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO.

Following the center’s introduction, the ceremony moved outside where Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh cut the red ribbon, symbolizing a new beginning filled with opportunities for the community. Attendees gathered around the ribbon to celebrate the promise of enhanced health and wellness throughout Bakersfield, made possible by Anthem’s commitment to keeping the city happy and healthy.