The MolinaCares Accord Celebrates Four Inland Empire Champions

06/23/2021

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 23, 2021 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”), recognized four Inland Empire residents for their dedication to addressing social determinants of health through the MolinaCares Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

“We are proud to highlight the efforts of these remarkable individuals who are integral to the health and well-being of communities in need throughout the Inland Empire,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “The pandemic has demonstrated that we need leaders like our MolinaCares Champions who are committed to advancing equity and the many interconnected issues that impact quality of life.”

This year’s Inland Empire MolinaCares Champions are:

Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies of Murrieta: Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies founded the Community Outreach Ministry to support at-risk children in Riverside County who are impacted by parental incarceration. With a goal of giving disadvantaged youth a second chance to thrive and succeed, she helps break the cycle of crime, incarceration, illiteracy, and poverty. Dr. Davies provides education through STEM mentorships and safe, healthy outlets through activities such as camping trips and holiday gatherings. Many children who have participated in these programs have become first-generation high school and college graduates. Her grant will be donated to Community Outreach Ministry.

John Epps of Highland: In his role as a Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) board member, John Epps advocates for fair treatment for all. He encourages his colleagues to use an equity-focused approach when interacting with clients and other employees. Epps is also a board member or founder of several groups, including Building Resilient Communities, We Are One United, Inc., Academy for Grassroots Organizations, and the Community Advisory Board for the Center of Health Disparities at UC Riverside. Through his expansive efforts, he is spearheading the charge to uplift communities by working to bring more diversity and inclusion to leadership in nonprofits and boards throughout the Inland Empire. Epps has selected Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) as the recipient of his grant.

Dr. Tom Dolan of San Bernardino: As executive director of Inland Congregations United for Change for the last 16 years, Dr. Tom Dolan leads a faith-based nonprofit devoted to creating equity advocates and teaching people from marginalized groups how to be agents of change. He has connected farm workers with food banks, health services, and masks and has helped San Bernardino students register voters and address violence in their communities. Dr. Dolan has worked with parents and students to tackle low graduation rates and advocate for mental health centers in schools. He has a long history of commitment to helping unhoused people and formerly incarcerated individuals. Dr. Dolan’s grant will be donated to Inland Congregations United for Change.

Julieta Barraza of Victorville: Through her role as a family support worker for El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, Julieta Barraza provides home visitations to expecting parents and parents with young children in the High Desert area. She also volunteers as a host for a Christian radio station where she encourages families to improve their well-being. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Barraza organized events where local agencies and organizations provided information about services and resources. She also volunteers at food banks and distributes clothing and backpacks. Barraza dedicates her free time to be of service to her community, which she considers a form of demonstrating love. Her grant will be donated to El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center.

About The MolinaCares Accord:
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for 40 years. The Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Covered California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Imperial counties. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 4.6 million members as of March 31, 2021.