Nearly 16,000 Backpacks Helped Equip L.A. County Students for a Successful Start to the School Year

L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise connected families with school supplies, healthcare services, and community resources

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan helped thousands of families prepare for the new school year by distributing nearly 16,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at almost 60 events across Los Angeles County. Most backpack distributions took place at the health plans' 14 Community Resource Centers, which provide families with year-round access to classes, workshops, and other community resources.

"Preparing for a new school year is about more than having the right supplies — it's about ensuring children and families have the support they need to succeed," said Charlie Robinson, chief health equity officer at L.A. Care Health Plan. "By bringing together school supplies, health services, and community services in neighborhoods across Los Angeles County, we're helping remove barriers and creating opportunities for children to thrive."

In addition to backpacks and school supplies, select events offered well-child screenings, vaccinations, and personalized assistance with Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment, and renewals — helping families maintain access to essential healthcare coverage. Families also connected with local health and community organizations, creating a one-stop opportunity to meet back-to-school needs while accessing services that support their well-being throughout the school year.

"For many families, back-to-school preparation involves much more than buying school supplies," said Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. "These events help connect families to healthcare, Medi-Cal support, and community resources that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives. Through our Community Resource Centers, we're committed to meeting families where they are and providing trusted support that helps them thrive year-round."

This year's distribution brings the total number of backpacks provided by L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise since 2019 to more than 100,000. The annual initiative reflects the health plans' commitment to supporting the health, education, and well-being of families beyond healthcare. Through their Community Resource Centers, residents can access free health education, wellness classes, Medi-Cal enrollment assistance, and other services throughout the year.

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 more than 500,000 Medi-Cal members across Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It was rated 4 out of 5 in NCQA's Medicaid Health Plan Ratings for 2025. 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.

Media Contacts:

L.A. Care Health Plan
Mayra Suarez – (408) 476-3512
[email protected]

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Juliane Matignas - (510) 607-2359
[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan