Salinas office ribbon cutting ceremony

The city of Salinas officially welcomed Valley Health Plan (VHP) to the community during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 15th. The ceremony was held at Valley Health Plan’s brand-new office at 917 N. Main Street and marked the first office for the health plan outside of Santa Clara County.

Seaside Council Member and Valley Health Plan employee Alexis Garcia-Arrazola kicked off the event by talking about how an office in Salinas will help all of Monterey County. Especially people who find it hard to get health coverage.

Several local officials followed by welcoming Valley Health Plan to the community. Representatives from Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Senator Anna Caballero, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and Supervisor Luis Alejo’s offices spoke about how excited they were to have a local health plan with real people to talk with in the community.

Valley Health Plan CEO Laura Rosas highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of having access to care. “We believe having this office in Salinas will really benefit the public,” Rosas said. “We have health plans for people who are undocumented, and bilingual staff to help anyone who has questions about health coverage.”

The next speaker was VHP’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gilly Guez. A resident of Monterey County who helped treat local residents during the worst of the pandemic. “Valley Health Plan cares about the wellness and health of its local communities,” stated Dr. Guez. “Our goal as a local health plan is to connect people to care and the care is high quality and affordable.”

Before the grand finale, Salinas Councilmembers Anthony Rocha and Steve McShane presented Valley Health Plan with a certificate of appreciation. McShane, who also serves as the President & CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce then handed Rosas the three feet tall scissors and the ceremonial ribbon was cut.

Valley Health Plan invites residents of Monterey County to stop by the office in Salinas for help getting coverage through Covered California or with an Individual & Family plan.