TITLE
Recommendation to refer to the Government, Personnel, and Elections Committee for consideration the naming of the newly renovated North Health Facility, “The Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center,” in recognition of the legacy, contributions, and service of former Long Beach Director of Health and Human Services Ronald R. Arias.
DISCUSSION
In June 2016, the voters approved Measure A, a ballot initiative to fund a number of infrastructure projects in the city. Among those projects was a remodel of the North Health Facility in Houghton Park. The newly renovated health center, scheduled to open this summer, will feature youth violence prevention and reentry programs, workforce development programs, medical services to North Long Beach residents, a public health clinic with an emphasis on sexual health, and meeting rooms for program leaders from different supportive service organizations to provide outreach to local residents.
As we approach the unveiling of the newly renovated facility, it is befitting that the City of Long Beach commemorates former City Health and Human Services Director Ronald R. Arias' extensive contributions to health equity in our city by naming the newly renovated health center at Houghton Park, the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center.
Ronald R. Arias (Ron), a longtime Uptown Long Beach resident, is a public health champion who has dedicated his career and personal life to social justice, youth development and better health outcomes for all. Ron served in leadership of our City's Health Department for more than 22 years, with 12 of those years at the forefront as Department Director. Under his guidance, the Health Department had many policy and programming accomplishments, including the development and opening of the Miller Family Health Education Center, the creation of the City's Healthy Beverage and Snack Policy, and securing the more than $1 million investment into North Long Beach by Kaiser Permanente through the Healthy Eati...
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