The MolinaCares Accord Celebrates Four Los Angeles County Champions

News Release
Media Contact: Justine dela Rosa, Justine.delaRosa1@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-528-5090

Each Honoree Received $5,000 to Donate to Nonprofit Organization of Choice

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 3, 2021 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”), recognized four Los Angeles County residents for their commitment to serving their community and advancing health equity through the MolinaCares Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

“These four men have gone above and beyond to help address the most pressing needs of their neighbors throughout Los Angeles County, where Molina has proudly served members and communities since 1980,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “We are proud to recognize our MolinaCares Champions, and we are pleased to provide a total of $20,000 in grants to their chosen community-based organizations.”

This year’s Los Angeles County MolinaCares Champions include:

Eric Burroughs of Long Beach: Eric Burroughs has helped over 4,000 Black men with health care education and resources. He has initiated partnerships with various nonprofits and institutions, resulting in successful events that greatly improve people’s well-being. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burroughs partnered with the Long Beach NAACP branch to provide face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other essential items in underserved Black communities. This effort has resulted in over 200,000 items distributed from since March 2020. He is a national committee member of 100 Black Men of America and a member of the 100 Black Men of America COVID-19 task force. Burrough’s grant will be donated to 100 Black Men of Long Beach, Inc.

Hector Ochoa of Los Angeles: Facing widespread shortages of essential items, Hector Ochoa distributed over 1,500 care packages containing food, personal hygiene and sanitation supplies, and other resources to people with disabilities. When students transitioned to virtual learning, Ochoa acted swiftly to provide resources. In partnership with businesses and organizations, he provided students with Chromebooks, backpacks, and school supplies to help students succeed. When vaccines became available, Ochoa advocated for accessible and equitable distribution. Hector’s grant will be donated to Southern California Resource Center for Independent Living (SCRS-IL).

Orlance Shirley of Compton: Project EDUCATE, an organization that works to eradicate homelessness, would not be as successful as it is today if it weren’t for the work of Orlance Shirley. He is a member of the board and an avid volunteer, all while studying as a full-time student. Shirley helped name the organization and laid the foundation for its five flagship programs. He writes content for the website and serves as the unofficial photographer. Shirley is currently finishing his final semester of undergraduate studies at Cornell University, and he has been accepted into an AmeriCorps post-graduation program where he will be working with FEMA on disaster relief and emergency management. His grant will be donated to Project EDUCATE.

Louis Lewis of Los Angeles: Whether he is preaching at his church, removing barriers to employment, or expanding access to drug treatment programs, Louis Lewis has been serving his community for over 30 years. At West Adams Work Source Center (WAWSC), he specializes in the implementation of job resource programs. He supports populations who commonly face hurdles to employment, such as veterans, women, people with language barriers, those experiencing homelessness, and low-income families. Lewis was instrumental in the success of an entirely new construction training program, WORKS, for individuals at risk for and experiencing homelessness. For decades, he has also helped the south Los Angeles community battle drug addiction, homelessness, and recidivism. Lewis’ grant will be donated to HomeAid Los Angeles.

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. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.