L.A. Health Plans Distribute 16,000 Backpacks to Local Students

Most of the distributions occurred at the 14 Community Resource Centers maintained by the two organizations, serving as hubs for more than just physical equipment. Beyond backpacks and notebooks, the events provided well-child screenings, vaccinations, and direct assistance with Medi-Cal enrollment and renewals. By integrating these services, the health plans sought to remove logistical barriers for families navigating both school demands and healthcare coverage.

Charlie Robinson, chief health equity officer at L.A. Care, noted that the objective extends beyond basic supplies to ensuring children have the holistic support required to succeed. This annual outreach has now reached a significant milestone, with more than 100,000 backpacks delivered since the program began in 2019. Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise, emphasized that the organization’s ongoing commitment is to reach families where they reside, offering year-round resources—from wellness classes to health education—that support long-term stability.