April Reya a medical assistant, gives the COVID-19 vaccination shot to Alicia Cazenave, of San Bernardino, Recently,at the LaSalle Medical Associates medical office located in Rialto, Calif. Cazenave received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. (Photo by Valda Wilson)
“People of color are tired of being treated differently by doctors because of their skin color. At LaSalle, we pride ourselves on treating all patients with respect and giving them the care, they need, regardless of their ethnicity,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
In a new policy statement, “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine,” pre-published online May 2, 2022, in Pediatrics, the AAP observes that race is a historically derived social construct that has no place as a biologic proxy. Over the years, the medical field has inaccurately applied race correction or race adjustment factors in its work, resulting in differential approaches to disease management and disparate clinical outcomes.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics is taking an important step toward dismantling race-based medicine. This effort calls for acknowledging the impact that differential lived experiences have on individual and population health outcomes through a race-conscious health equity lens rather than through approaches that have inappropriately identified skin color as an independent risk-adjusting variable,” Dr. Wright said.
“Social determinants of health need to be carefully considered in the development of care delivery strategies including factors embedded in broad categories such as access, the physical environmental and community supports. Evidence informed incorporation of these factors is vital in all areas of medicine.”
“We are honored to have more Doctors to help serve the thousands of patients who have placed their trust in our network of primary physicians and healthcare professionals in California,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga founder and Chief Executive officer of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. Left to Right: Dr. Joseph V. Selvarj, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Dr. Cheryl Emoto, and Dr. Felix A. Albano.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., says, “As a minority-owned organization, we have never treated any patient—adult or child—with any but the most conscientious and rigorous care. Many of our doctors and support staff are themselves minorities and they know very well how important it is to make all patients feel comfortable and to deliver to all patients the highest standard, the gold standard, of care.”
Race-based care has been pervasive for decades. One example is how some pediatricians deal with Black children who may be suffering from a urinary tract infection. According to Dr. Joseph L. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, from American Academy of Pediatrics, rather than apply the gold standard test, they use a lesser procedure because they assume that Black children don’t get urinary tract infections as often as white children.
April Reya a medical assistant, gives the COVID-19 vaccination shot to Vicki Creighton, of Riverside, Recently, at the LaSalle Medical Associates medical office located in Rialto, Calif. Creighton received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
But that is not the case at LaSalle. “When we interview prospective providers, we make sure that they are in sync with our values and standards,” says Dr. Arteaga. “The gold standard is the only standard we apply to the people under our care.”
After two years of virtual doctor visits, all of LaSalle six clinics are open for person-to-person patient visits. Clinics are now open in San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Hesperia and Victorville which is temporarily closed.
“The evolution of modern medicine has produced incredible advancements and accomplishments in health care,” Dr. Wright said. “But we must acknowledge and address the stark inequities that persist in leaving vulnerable populations behind. We are better than this. Now is the time for change.”
For more information or to make an appointment at a LaSalle Medical Associates Clinic call: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino 17th Street (909) 887-6494 pediatrics only clinic; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; and Hesperia (760) 947-2161.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
“We need to take the stigma away from mental health issues in the Black family”, said Healthy Heritage Movement founder Phyllis Clark.
(Ontario, Calif.) Join the Healthy Heritage Movement for a Healthy Laugh! “In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Healthy Heritage is celebrating with a Comedy Show and Mental Health Resource Fair at the world-famous Improv Comedy Club in Ontario”, said Healthy Heritage Movement founder Phyllis Clark.
Our mission is to eliminate health disparities within the African American Community through health education, policy change, and community outreach, said Clark.
The Healthy Heritage Movement has assembled a group of more than twenty mental health professionals, organizations, and aware comedians to entertain and inform African Americans in the IE of what is available to help people on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 4:00 pm.
“The day’s feature is a two-hour, stand-up clean comedy show at the Ontario Improv Theater for ages 18 and older,” said Clark.
The comedy lineup includes:Lamont Bonman, who has also performed as Rev Monty B. Sharpton in clubs, churches, and concerts across the country. He created the wildly popular group Rev Monty B Sharpton and the Anointed Oreos; Gayla Johnson, an actress and stand-up comedian; and Donna Maine, a L.A.-based clean, corporate comedian and comedy writer.
Also, Richard Weiss, popular comedian, author, comic strip publisher and Coachella Valley resident, who openly shares his pilgrimage from shame and pain, to joy, love and laughter, in person, in his comedic performances and on his website.
Co-sponsors include Community Mental Health Equity Project (CMHEP), Broken Crayons Still Color, California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP), California Department of Public Health and Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health and the African American Family Wellness Advisory Group.
Tickets are on sale for $25 online and at the Improv box office theater. “I know the event will sell out! Purchase your tickets today,” said Clark.
According to Clark, the night promises to be filled with laugher from a line-up of hilarious comedians, but it will also be an opportunity for individuals to talk to mental health professionals, gather mental health resources, network with the community, and enjoy good food and drink.
“Come celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, and help Healthy Heritage continue our mission of removing the stigma of mental health in our communities! Ultimately, assuring us it is okay to not be ok,” said Clark.
This resource fair is also in celebration of our Broken Crayons Still Color Program, an 8-week program created around reducing the stigma of mental health for African American women. The program teaches effective strategies to identify signs of and cope with depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse and other mental health challenges.
For a list of Black mental health professionals in the Inland Empire, for a class near you or more information visit BrokenCrayons.org or call (951)293-4240 or email:
hhmmovement9@gmail.com
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About Healthy Heritage
Healthy Heritage Movement, Inc. was founded in 2007 by Phyllis Y. Clark in Southern California. Created to target and address health disparities within the African American community, Healthy Heritage Movement focuses on the wellbeing of African Americans through health education, policy change and community outreach. For more information on Healthy Heritage go to: www.HealthyHeritage.org
The comedy lineup includes:
Gayla Johnson is an actress and stand-up comedian. She’s appeared on such television shows as ABC’s Scandal, Supergirl, Bones, Greys Anatomy, Legions, The Fosters, Young & The Restless, Comedy Central’s Workaholics, and more. She has a diverse background in Theatre and a Degree in Broadcast Communications, she flowed into public speaking and then the challenging field of Standup Comedy. She has made guest appearances on COMICS UNLEASHED, SiTv’s LAFF JAM, INSIDE JOKE, B.E.T. COMIC VIEW, TBS COMEDY FESTIVAL, and the COMEDY TIME Series on YouTube. She’s quoted as saying “Stand-up Comedy is the one thing you can do badly, and no one will laugh at you”.
Donna Maine is an LA-based clean, corporate comedian and comedy writer (or less clean, depending on situation) who performs across the country. Her comedic insights run the gamut, including relationships, kids, medical background and coping with middle-age in a post-millennial world. Donna has been bringing laughter to all the major comedy clubs, the Burbank Comedy Festival, the inaugural Palm Springs Comedy Festival and events everywhere. She incorporates musical comedy and Christian comedy, writes jokes tailored to celebrations or roasts and has hosted numerous shows, including a long-running showcase of female comedians at Flappers Comedy Club. Donna can be heard co-hosting on radio, as well as doing voiceovers, and is a recent Funniest Housewives Finalist. She’s also available for acting roles. To make your event a fun-filled success, book Donna now!
Lamont Bonman has also performed as Rev Monty B. Sharpton in clubs, churches, and concerts across the country. He created the wildly popular group Rev Monty B Sharpton and the Anointed Oreos, known for their hilarious parodies which are featured on their CD Brand New Oldies. They are the Weird Al Yankovic of Gospel. Lamont is a series regular in the upcoming TV series Fifty and Over Club and will also be in the soon-to-be-released feature film Miracle of Tony Davis. From Las Vegas to Broadway, Lamont Bonman shares his gift and shares the Gospel.
Richard Weiss “Drinking led to blackouts for me which I call ‘The 90s’,” Weiss shares to a room full of laughter. “My family got together and gave me a little present… they got me tickets, luggage and a going away party called an ‘intervention’.” Richard Weiss, popular comedian, author, comic strip publisher and Coachella Valley resident, openly shares his pilgrimage from shame and pain, to joy, love and laughter in person, in his comedic performances and on his website.
Professor Willie Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy
“Our basic mental health training class teaches people proven ways to approach friends or family members who may seem to be struggling and get them to reach out for professional help,” said Ceseña.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) “I wasn’t sure what I expected to learn from the class I took with the Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health Program,” says Professor Willie Davis, Ph.D., of Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy, “but I have to say that it gave me the information I needed to get one of my students the help she needed.”
The Making Hope Happen Foundation offers three free classes through its Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program for people who would like to help someone they know who seem to be having a hard time in one way or another but aren’t sure how to approach them or what to say that can get them started on feeling better.
Program Manager Gerzon Ceseña says, “Our classes teach people how to recognize the warning signs for things like depression and suicidal thoughts, along with the right and wrong things to say to their friends or family members who seem to be preoccupied with a problem or problems that they may be reluctant to talk about.”
“We offer two Mental Health First Aid courses, one that focuses on adults and one on youth, along with an introductory course we call ‘QPR,’ which stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, that provides insights into helping someone who may be thinking about suicide,” said Ceseña.
The day after Professor Davis took the QPR course, he was approached by a student who was feeling down and thinking about dropping out of the program. “I used what I learned in the QPR class to get her to start talking about a recent trauma she suffered and the thoughts of suicide she was having. She agreed to my suggestion that she get some help.”
“I’m happy to say that since that day, she has gotten counseling and is now feeling better and doing better academically.”
The QPR Gatekeeper course takes about an hour to 90 minutes, depending on how many people are enrolled and the number of questions that are raised during the training. It provides basic essentials that prepare attendees to then go on to either the Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid course.
Making Hope Happen is a nonprofit foundation linked with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The nonprofit is based on the philosophy of Gallop Senior Scientist Dr. Shane J. Lopez. Hope allows people to envision a better future, design a path toward that future, and take purposeful steps toward it. As a result of a deep commitment to this quest, the San Bernardino Community and School Alliance (CASA was reorganized and renamed the Making Hope Happen Foundation).
The Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program offers free mental health training for people who would like to be able to help friends or family members that would like to learn effective ways to approach friends or family members who seem to he has emotional or mental health problems but aren’t sure about what to say or do.
For more information on The IE Men’s Mental Health Program go to the group’s web page at IEMensMentalHealth.org or call (909) 347-7234.
Shanna Bowen is the Social Media Director at Dameron Communications
(San Bernardino, Calf.)Shanna Bowen, a social media expert with more than 15 years’ experience creating and implementing successful social media campaigns, is the social media director for Dameron Communications. Shanna joined the team in 2020.
“We are pioneers in the social media marketing. Dameron Communcations started working in social media from the inception of the platforms with AOL and Myspace in 2003,” said agency creative director and founder Carl M. Dameron.
While Shanna is too young to be a social media pioneer, she has extensive success and experience in the field. “I develop social media content and plans to advance our clients’ brand identity,” said Bowen.
“Shanna creates consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms, including writing and editing social media posts, maximizing customer engagement, and promoting social media campaigns,” said Dameron.
She manages a high volume of daily social media posts. She communicates with social media followers, including responding to participant questions. Shanna also develops and manages social influencer programs; and, she creates social media events.
“We are delighted to have Shanna on the Dameron Communications team of diverse, talented Communications professionals,” said Dameron. “Her creativity, knowledge and skill in social media is an asset to the team and keeps our client’s in touch with their clients, while creating new follwers to advance each client’s individual communications goals.”
Shanna uses analytical tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite Pro, and other social media insight tools to monitor and evaluate our clients’ social media presence and performance. She prepares weekly and monthly reports on social media marketing efforts.
Shanna constantly adjusts the social media marketing strategy for optimal results. She also stays up to date on best practices and emerging trends in social media.
For more information on social media marketing call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com
About Dameron Communications
Dameron Communications’ is a diverse team of communications professionals delivering inspired advertising: public relations, community relations and government relations. The Agency’s work has won awards and client accolades for more than 30 years. Uniquely, we blend unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results.
Long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell, Hospitality House Director Naomi Goforth and Major Martha Trimmer inspect the Hospitality House freezer.
(Redlands, Calif.) The Salvation Army’s Hospitably House had a big problem. The kitchen and bedrooms were just worn out. The problem was The San Bernardino Corps didn’t have the money to replace the 30-year-old kitchen. What to do?
Scott Carlson, The Salvation Army’s donor relations director thought of long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell. The couple have helped other Corps in Sothern California, so Carlson asked for help.
“The Chappell’s were eager to provide funding for a new kitchen when I described the need,” said Carlson. “But when they toured the Hospitably House, met some residents they saw the need for new beds and bedroom furniture as well as new kitchen equipment”.
“All together, they decided to provide funding for all new kitchen equipment, new beds and new bedroom furnishings for all 21 units at the Hospitality house”, said Carlson.
“We are so very happy and honored to receive this wonderful gift. This changes the lives for the better for our families who come to stay in the shelter,” said Hospitably House Director Naomi Goforth.
“We are so happy to help,” said Cathy Chappell. “We saw the need and knew we had to help these families through a very tough time,” she added.
The Hospitality House is The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter for families and single women.
The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. 1,612 children participated in educational and recreational programs last year. Many supportive services are provided with each night of shelter including meals, laundry, hot showers, tutoring and case management.
The people served at The Salvation Army shelter come from all walks of life. The challenges of homelessness touch all ethnic groups, family types and ages. Many people believe the Salvation Army shelter only accepts women and children. But that’s not true. Men are welcome if they are a part of a family unit with children. When it comes to families, children are the piece that is necessary to provide services.
The issue of homelessness continues to disrupt many families in the Inland Empire region. These displaced individuals are thrust into living situations that make them vulnerable to many problems.
Long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell donate new bedroom furniture to The Salvation Army Hospitality House. Salvations Army staff and volunteers put the all of the furniture together.
“Without proper and safe daily rest and food, health begins to decline. Anxiety caused by the uncertainty of finding needed resources causes fatigue, stress, and the breakdown of vital family relationships,” said Goforth.
The Salvation Army works with each homeless or transitional housing client to set up a Self-Improvement Plan that will move his or her family toward future independence, resolution of homelessness , and retention of stable housing long term.
For more information on The Salvation Army Hospitably House or to schedule a tour call (909) 888-1336. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world. The Salvation Army has been in existence, since 1865, more than 150 years, and in San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Cheryl R. Brown, Dameron Communications Government Relations Director
Cheryl Brown is a former Assemblywoman, publisher, small business owner and current California State Commissioner on Aging who has devoted the majority of her life on public service.
She has been recognized by countless local, state and national organizations for her work on behalf of the community in various capacities as an elected official and community volunteer.
Cheryl leads the Government team helping clients win their government objectives.
Prior to being elected to the Assembly, she was a publisher of the Black Voice News in Riverside, CA.
Government/Community Relations Proficiencies
Development, implementation and management of strategic plans and programs to achieve the clients’ goals.
Oversee the community organizing campaigns.
Conduct policy advocacy activities regarding development, construction, education, entertainment, environment and public health policy issues.
Implement program evaluation activities and prepare written and oral reports for various purposes.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for the community campaigns to boards, media, business and community leaders, other organizations, elected officials and government agency representatives.
For more information on advertising and public relations call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com
About Dameron Communications
Dameron Communications’ is a diverse team of communications professionals delivering inspired advertising: public relations, community relations and government relations. The Agency’s work has won awards and client accolades for more than 30 years. Uniquely, we blend unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results.
My family: Shiane, Shaila, Carl and Malaika. Making it through love, life and success.
A discussion on the history of me, family, Fitness, relationships, divorce, function, disfunction and love. An interview conducted by my ex-wife, Malaika Jacocks of Body by Malaika.
Dameron Communications services include: advertising for television, social media, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, direct mail, mobile web applications, and email. They also deliver award winning public relations press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
For more information on Dameron Communications call Carl M. Dameron @ (909) 534-9500.
Please help the Salvation Army obtain more toys and turkeys for children and families in need this Holiday Season. Donations can always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
(Redlands, Calif.) The Salvation Army of San Bernardino is in need of frozen turkeys for our Christmas food distribution on December 20th to families in need who have signed up for Christmas assistance.
“Please bring your donation of frozen Turkeys to either our Redlands location at: 838 Alta Street or our Hospitality House located at: 925 W. 10th St., San Bernardino,” said Major Martha Trimmer, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.
To sign up for food for your family please apply in person at The Salvation Army 838 Alta Street in Redlands.
“We can help with toys for your dependent children from birth to 12 years old please bring with you your, ID, proof of dependent children in the household i.e.; birth certificate, social security card, or insurance card, and proof of residence such as a utility bill,” said Major Martha Trimmer, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.
Majors Kyle and Martha Trimmer, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino host The Salvation Army of San Bernardino’s Red Kettle Kick Off on Wednesday November 17, 2021at 6:00 PM., at the Bear Springs Events Center in Highland.
“We can also help your entire family with food”, she added.
Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O Box 26, Redlands, CA 92373. Donations can always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
Serving: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
The Salvation Army and our vollenteers are ready to help your children with toys and your entire family with food. Volunteers serve meals at the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner celebration.
(Redlands, Calif.) Do your children need food or toys this Christmas? The Salvation Army can help. Please apply in person at The Salvation Army 838 Alta Street in Redlands.
“We can help with toys for your dependent children from birth to 12 years old please bring with you your, ID, proof of dependent children in the household i.e.; birth certificate, social security card, or insurance card, and proof of residence such as a utility bill,” said Major Martha Trimmer, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.
“We can also help your entire family with food”, Major Trimmer added.
For more information call the Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336. To donate money by phone call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769). Donate online at: https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
Serving: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336
