Sacramento, CA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anthem’s contribution was made directly to the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers’ Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program, which provides lifesaving supports to help people with disabilities survive disasters and power outages.
SACRAMENTO (Nov. 22, 2021) – California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) announced today that Anthem Blue Cross has generously donated $350,000 to its Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program. The DDAR program provides essential support to people with disabilities, with Access and Functional Needs (AFN), who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), and other disasters or crisis situations.
Anthem funds will enable CFILC to acquire critically needed portable backup batteries to assist those who rely on electric powered durable medical equipment and/or assistive technology, such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators and infusion pumps. The batteries will be distributed to individuals with disabilities and AFN who live in areas of the state that are at high risk for wildfires. It is common for residents in these areas to experience unsafe situations when local utility companies proactively shut-off electricity to prevent wildfires from occurring, so these batteries will fill a critical need.
The reason these batteries are critical is because it is common for people with disabilities to experience unsafe situations when the electricity is proactively shut off by the local utility company to prevent wildfires from occurring. The DDAR Center will identify qualified individuals who are eligible to receive disaster and emergency planning support, and supply them with resources, such as backup batteries, to help them be resilient when the power goes out.
CFILC’s Executive Director, Christina N. Mills stated, “CFILC and DDAR are excited to continue its partnership with Anthem Blue Cross, a healthcare leader that understand communities’ needs and is committed to supporting people with disabilities and older adults. As we experience the extreme effects of the current wildfire season and continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthem’s generous grant helps to ensure that people with disabilities and older adults have one less thing to worry about when the power goes out.”
“Collaborating with CFILC to ensure people with disabilities and older adults have access to the life-saving resources they need during emergencies and disasters is part of Anthem’s Community Health strategy, which centers on health equity and a whole-health approach to improving health outcomes,” said Les Ybarra, President of Anthem Blue Cross’s Medi-Cal Health Plan. “We value the opportunity to play such an important role in safeguarding the health and lives of some of our most vulnerable residents across our state.”
Californians with disabilities and solder adults are encouraged to learn more about the supports made available by Anthem Blue Cross. To learn more and apply for DDAR services, visit: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org. To find local DDAR Center supports, click here.
About the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program
The Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program launched in 2020 and 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 resources and assistance to people with disabilities and older adults with access and functional needs who require electricity for daily living. DDAR offers vital assistance before, during and after active public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events as well as other disasters. The statewide DDAR program coordinates with nineteen local Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers (DDARCs) to deliver personal emergency preparedness planning support, assistance with Medical Baseline and local emergency alert enrollment, disaster trainings, temporary lodging and transportation support based on the geographic location of an individual in need of DDAR services.
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. Follow CFILC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross helps improve health care access and quality for Californians by developing innovative care management programs and services. Anthem Blue Cross’ top priority is the health and well-being of our consumers and we are committed to providing members with access to comprehensive health care. Through health education and community outreach programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name for Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Cross of California Partnership Plan, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Blue Cross of California is contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan to provide Medi-Cal Managed Care services in Los Angeles County. To learn more, visit https://mss.anthem.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.
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Media Contacts:
Cameron Moore, CFILC
Phone: 916-612-1520
Email: [email protected]
Dionisia Malecki, Anthem Blue Cross
Phone: 813-399-0364
Email: [email protected]
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