by Lauren Scheller on 2015-04-07

Local non-profit Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) has been named the recipient of the 2015 Shirley N. Pettis Award by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. The award is given to organizations and individuals for their dedication and distinguished service to children. Riverside Community Health Foundation was specifically recognized for making a “difference in the lives of thousands of children and youth through a number of services, and it has a long-standing commitment to its efforts in supporting programs that promote youth development.” “Since the beginning of our organization, we have strived to put programs in place that help local children build happy, healthy futures,” said Dr. Anderson. “For that work to be recognized with such a distinguished award is a true honor and a humbling experience.” Dr. Dan Anderson, President/CEO of RCHF, and Eliza Daniely-Woolfolk, Board Chair for RCHF, accepted the award on behalf of the organization at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital 22nd Annual Foundation Gala on March 12. Each year Riverside Community Health Foundation’s teen programs provide over 16,000 health interventions through the “Be Proud, Be Responsible” program and Project T.R.U.S.T curriculum. Both programs help teens to build skills and knowledge to minimize risky behaviors and teen pregnancy rates. In addition, RCHF serves youths through its two clinics the Eastside Health Center and Arlanza Family Health Center, which are operated in partnership with Borrego Health. A pediatrician is on staff at both clinics for well child exams, immunizations, and more. “While our programs reach many area youth, we also work to fund other initiatives to make sure our area’s children and teens have a wide variety of services and programs available to fulfill their needs,” said Dr. Anderson. RCHF’s relationship with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital stretches back almost to the beginning of the organization. RCHF provided its first grant to LLUCH in 1999 and since has provided a total of 17 grants totaling $2,420,601. Each year RCHF also works with IEHP to provide insurance through the Healthy Kids Program for children living at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.