The newly renovated North Health Facility will now be referred to as the “The Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center,” immortalizing the legacy of the former Long Beach Director of Health and Human Services.
The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted in favor of the item at the Tuesday, Sept. 14 meeting.
“He exemplifies health equity and legacy in the city of Long Beach,” Councilmember Al Austin said of Arias.
For over 22 years, Arias was part of the leadership at the City’s Health Department—12 of those he served as department director.
Arias referred to the naming as a “humbling experience,” in a video presentation played at the meeting and credited positive changes in the community to the Health Department staff.
“I always felt that I was just doing my job and I tried to do the best that I possibly could,” he said.
Arias has been referred to as the “modern-day father of the Long Beach Health Department” by Mayor Robert Garcia in the past and lauded as a “public health champion” by Vice Mayor Rex Richardson.
Under Arias’ leadership, the Health Department developed and opened the Miller Family Health Education Center and the introduction of the City’s Healthy Beverage Snack Policy.
In keeping with his mission to improve health inequities, Arias procured a $1 million investment into North Long Beach by Kaiser Permanente through the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Zone initiative, which centered on Houghton Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
“Ron strongly believes that regardless of where you live in the city Long Beach, you should have equal access to health resources,” Susana Gonzalez Edmond, board member of Centro CHA said in the video.
Gonzalez noted that naming the building after Arias represents community and will bring trust for the people of North Long Beach.
The facility will include youth violence prevention and reentry programs, workforce development programs, medical services to North Long Beach residents, a public health clinic with emphasis on sexual health and meeting rooms for program leaders.
According to Richardson, construction at the center is complete and will open in the next month.
Darick J. Simpson, president of the Miller Foundation, said in the video presentation that the programs and resources that will be offered at the facility will bring more health access to North Long Beach residents.
“They don’t have to worry about barriers such as transportation,” Simpson said. “They are in a familiar neighborhood where they feel comfortable and can build relationships with the staff.”
