Diabetes is an epidemic in America. Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is hoping to help change that for its members and the community, with the launch of several Diabetes Self-Management class series at L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans’ Community Resource Centers (CRCs) throughout Los Angeles County.
Series will be hosted at the Centers in the communities of Wilmington, Pomona and Long Beach in February, and in Inglewood, Lincoln Heights, Norwalk and South Los Angeles in March.
The Diabetes Self-Management series will be led by experienced Blue Shield Promise health educators and provide practical tools and knowledge to help individuals prevent or manage diabetes effectively. Topics include meal planning, physical activity, stress management, glucose monitoring and medications used to manage diabetes.
The classes are offerings of Blue Shield Promise’s Health Education team. The classes are designed to improve and maintain the health and wellness of attendees through culturally and linguistically appropriate learning, skill-building and disease management interventions. Participants gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to take control of their health in a supportive, inclusive environment.
“Education is a big part of Blue Shield Promise’s ongoing commitment to community health and can be a powerful tool in managing diabetes effectively,” said Kristen Cerf, president and chief executive officer of Blue Shield Promise. “These classes will help people with diabetes take control of their health and make educated and informed decisions that lead to lasting health and wellness.”
A life-changing experience
Diabetes Self-Management class
Blue Shield Promise member Camellia Sadorra recently took part in a Diabetes Self-Management series at the Community Resource Center in Long Beach and said the sessions were invaluable in managing her diabetes.
“I feel so blessed that Blue Shield Promise offered this program. I learned more in two classes than I had in all the years since I was diagnosed. The instructor really took the time to explain how to care for ourselves,” she said.
Blue Shield Promise also provides the Diabetes Self-Management classes in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin. See the schedule of upcoming Diabetes Self-Management classes below at our Community Resource Centers that are open to anyone in the community:
English/Spanish
Mondays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Pomona, 696 W. Holt Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
English/Spanish
Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Long Beach, 5599 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805
English/Spanish
Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington, 911 North Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
English/Spanish
Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Norwalk, 11721 Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650
English/ Spanish
Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Inglewood, 2864 W. Imperial Highway, Inglewood, CA 90303
Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, and 26
Spanish 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
English 1-2:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center in South Los Angeles, 5710 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043
Cantonese
Fridays, March 20, 27; April 3 and 17 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Lincoln Heights, 2430 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
To find your nearest Community Resource Center, visit Community Resource Centers | L.A. Care Health Plan.
Comprehensive health promotion
The Health Education team also hosts a wide range of classes throughout the year focused on topics including adult weight management, asthma, mental health, congestive heart failure, healthy eating, hypertension and tobacco cessation — all designed to help individuals learn about how they can live healthier lives.
Many of the courses are offered in a range of languages including Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin. In 2025, the team launched a six-week “Chronic Disease Self-Management Program: Healthier Living” course in Spanish and Mandarin. The course will be offered in English this year.
“Our mission is to empower families to live healthier lives — and that begins with education and knowledge,” said Rosa Hernandez, senior manager of lifestyle medicine at Blue Shield Promise. “Healthy communities begin with healthy residents, and we’re committed to continuously finding ways to support our members’ health and wellness needs — along with that of the larger community. We’re creating programs that give individuals the tools and confidence to take charge of their health, rather than let chronic conditions define them and their lives.”
The Health Education team also hosts a variety of classes virtually that are only available to Blue Shield Promise members. Blue Shield Promise members should call the Health Education team at (562) 613-5118 for information about those class offerings.
For information about Blue Shield Promise’s other health education topics, visit Health education | Blue Shield of CA Promise Health Plan.
Read related: Diabetes Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Take Action, Find Support | Blue Shield of California | News Center