[New] a t a t i m e

Community News, IEHP

For millions of new moms, like Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Member Gerti, motherhood – and all the challenges it brings – can be overwhelming

After the birth of her daughter, Gerti struggled with her mental health and recognized she needed help – so she turned to IEHP

Through her connection to Katia, a behavioral health specialist on IEHP’s maternal mental health team, Gerti learned she was experiencing postpartum depression and was connected to various resources, including supportive therapy

Although common (the CDC cites 1 in 8 women who recently gave birth suffer from it), postpartum depression is more severe and longlasting than the “baby blues,” which can include short-lived bouts of mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping

“I was just really looking for help, because it gets overwhelming – especially becoming a new mom,” explained Gerti “Sometimes the depression just catches you I just want to get through this, so I can push through for my baby, for my sanity, for my happiness ”

As Katia explains, no mother with these challenges should ever feel ashamed Feeling anxious, overwhelmed and depressed are all considered typical emotions during pregnancy and after birth

“It’s normal [for new moms] to feel the way they do; there is nothing wrong with feeling that way,” said

Katia, who also personally experienced postpartum depression “They should be proud of themselves for reaching out for help – and that is where we come in ”

IEHP’s maternal mental health team is a small, but mighty unit within the behavioral health department that connects Members with mental health services such as therapy and psychiatry

The maternal mental health team regularly checks in with Members to ask how they are feeling, what they need and to help them make those sometimes hard, but life-altering first steps of scheduling and attending therapy appointments

The team supports Members like Gerti through every step of their recovery and journey through motherhood – even if it’s to simply ask how they are doing

“If I am able to take care of myself better, I will be able to take care of my baby much more,” explained Gerti “I know that every time I am having trouble, help is just one phone call away ”

To learn more about Gerti’s story, v i s i t : https://youtu be/8IRKPmIk2CM

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression or mental health, IEHP is here for you

IEHP Members can call Member Services to connect with our behavioral health team For a mental health emergency, please call the Mental Health and Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988

Community News

Rep Pete Aguilar voted for $30,152,130 in Community Project Funding for the Inland Empire in the final 2023 government funding package, which now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature Rep Aguilar requested these projects in May 2022, advocated for them as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and pushed for their inclusion in the final government funding package

“I am proud to have secured $30,152,130 in Community Project Funding that I know meets long overdue community needs for the Inland Empire,” Rep Aguilar said “These investments create jobs with better pay, promote cleaner air and water, and address homelessness in our community I have prioritized securing federal dollars to address local issues and I’ll continue to work every day to deliver for our region ”

Rep Aguilar championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Inland Empire residents These include:

Project Name: 3rd Street Corridor Project

Project Requestor: Inland Valley Development Agency Joint Powers Authority

Amount Secured: $3,000,000

Summary: The funding will support a muchneeded infrastructure project that will enhance safety, mobility and access to the growing San Bernardino International Airport

Project Name: Arrowhead Grove Community Resource Center

Project Requestor: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino

Amount Secured: $3,000,000

Summary: The funding will create a resource center at the Arrowhead Grove housing community This would provide easy access to services by establishing a multi-faceted health campus open to any San Bernardino resident

Project Name: Fontana Homelessness Prevention Resource and Care Center (Phase 1)

Project Requestor: City of Fontana

Amount Secured: $4,000,000

Summary: The funding will provide housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County

Project Name: Little 3rd Street Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino County

Amount Secured: $2,560,000

Summary: This funding will support an infrastructure project developing the Little 3rd Street area in San Bernardino The project will expand access to transit, shopping centers and office space while improving safety for pedestrians and motorists

Project Name: Mental Health Outreach Program for the Sickle Cell Community

Project Requestor: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Amount Secured: $542,597

Summary: The funding will create a regional mental health outreach program, coinciding with a coordinated system of care, for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) and for their caregivers This program will connect individuals to wrap around behavioral health resources and services

Project Name: Sustainable Communities Catalyst Project

Project Requestor: Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc

Amount Secured: $1,000,000

Summary: This funding will allow a local non-profit to purchase and preserve affordable housing, while investing in neighborhoods and sustaining local businesses

Agraveside service for Juanita will be held Monday, January 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Rialto Park Cemetery, 200 N Willow Ave, Rialto, CA 92376

On August 7, 1924, Juanita was born in North Carolina She was married to Mr James Clarence Estes on June 4, 1943 For over 50 years, Juanita worked as a housekeeper in many homes She enjoyed crafting, and belonged to Eastern Star and White Shrine for several years

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, James Clarence Estes She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Stark and Marie Stacey, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and 13 greatgreat- grandchildren

After the graveside service, there will be a Celebration of Life for Ms Juanita The celebration will be held at the Women's Club of Rialto, at 219 Riverside Ave , Rialto, CA

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www greenacresmortuary com for the Estes family

Project Name: Funding for a New Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program

Project Requestor: California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

Amount Secured: $2,000,000

Summary: The funding will provide medical equipment to CSUSB’s new Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program and assist in the renovation of a facility for teaching and training students

Project Name: Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project

Project Requestor: City of Rialto

Amount Secured: $2,000,000

Summary: The funding will promote clean air and a healthier, more sustainable community in the city of Rialto while increasing access to nature for residents

Project Name: Cucamonga Canyon Trailhead at Morgan Ranch, Rancho Cucamonga

Project Requestor: City of Ranch Cucamonga Amount Secured: $1,000,000

Summary: The funding will create a trailhead to protect the natural resources of Cucamonga Canyon, enhance public access to the area and protect the safety of visitors and residents

Project Name: Reche Canyon Rd Realignment to Hunts Lane

Project Requestor: City of Colton

Amount Secured: $4,166,000

Summary: The funding will support a muchneeded infrastructure project to relieve congestion at the intersection of Hunts Lane and Washington Street and Reche Canyon Road and Washington Street in the City of Colton

Project Name: Restoration of San Bernardino’s Historic Roosevelt Bowl

Project Requestor: City of San Bernardino Amount Secured: $1,400,000

Summary: The funding will renovate and reopen the New Deal-era outdoor performance venue The Roosevelt Bowl is an important economic catalyst for the city of San Bernardino

Project Name: Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician Program

Project Requestor: San Bernardino Valley College Foundation

Amount Secured: $1,500,000

Summary: This funding will purchase heavyduty, zero-emission trucks and charging stations that will be used by San Bernardino Valley College students training for careers in the jobs of the future