Sacramento, CA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cameron Moore, 916-612-1520
Communications and Marketing Manager, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
Sacramento, CA – December 22, 2020 – California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) announced today that Anthem Blue Cross has generously donated to its Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program, which will provide essential support this holiday season to people with disabilities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), and other disasters.
The funding provided by CFILC’s partners at Anthem Blue Cross will be allocated to three Independent Living Centers (ILC’s) in the community: Disability Action Center (DAC), Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL), and Rolling Start, Inc. The DDAR program will facilitate in the distribution of these services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and Access and Functional Needs (AFN) will receive support in the form of gas cards, Uber/Lyft gift cards, and public transportation tickets. They will be supported by Kelly’s Kitchen in the facilitation of cooked meals, bags of groceries, and gift cards to local area groceries stores this holiday season.
The DDAR pilot program was developed by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) and supported by Anthem Blue Cross, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and the American Red Cross. The program brings necessary assistance to people with disabilities and older adults with access and functional needs who require electricity for daily living. DDAR offers vital assistance throughout the duration of active public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events, and other disasters. The DDAR program coordinates with local Independent Living Centers (ILCs) to deliver personal emergency preparedness support, assistance with Medical Baseline and local emergency alert enrollment, disaster trainings, hotel stays, and more.
CFILC Executive Director, Christina N. Mills stated, “2020 was a challenging year on many levels for the disability community and beyond. From the COVID-19 pandemic to raging wildfires, we have encountered numerous obstacles, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the community with essential resources to handle natural disasters and other unforeseen circumstances. We are grateful for the amazing partnership with Anthem Blue Cross, and we’re thankful for their timely donation ensuring that people with disabilities are equipped to sustain the unexpected elements of this upcoming winter, and holiday, season.”
“Anthem Blue Cross has been part of and helping California communities for more than 80 years, and in the wake of the pandemic, we are committed to doing more to make a difference,” said Dr. Barsam Kasravi, President, Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal. “We are proud to be working alongside CFILC to identify and provide the critical supports our communities need to improve access to needed resources.”
To apply for DDAR services, visit: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org.
To find the location of your local DDAR center, click here.
About the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) registered 501(c)(3) non-profit Corporation that increases access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities by building the capacity of Independent Living Centers throughout California. To learn more, please visit: cfilc.org
About Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross has been serving the health insurance needs of California residents since 1937. Anthem Blue Cross, together with its branded affiliates, provides health care services to more than 8.2 million health plan members in California, including a broad network of more than 65,000 providers. Offering a full continuum of product and coverage options, Anthem Blue Cross provides customers with unparalleled choice and flexibility in meeting their health plan needs. These options are continually fine-tuned to enhance and ensure access to affordable, quality health care. Anthem, with its strong track record for innovation, focuses on progressive products and services designed to improve the health status of all Californians. Unique offerings available in the individual, small group, large group, senior and Medi-Cal markets include a full range of integrated medical and specialty products. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. To learn more, visit: https://mss.anthem.com/california-medicaid/home.html. Also, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AnthemBC_News and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossCA.
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