Crafton Hills College and IEHP Sign Agreement to Expand Student Health Services
Publish Date: April 3, 2025
Crafton Hills College hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) on April 3 at noon, formalizing a vital partnership to expand health access and wellness resources for students.
The event brought together leaders from the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), IEHP, and the college community. Dr. Nathan Gonzales, Chair of the SBCCD Board of Trustees, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of student wellness as a foundation for academic success. He was joined by Dr. Nohemy Ornelas, Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Services, who reflected on the collaboration’s origins—beginning over a year ago through conversations with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Student speaker Sierra Mason, a student worker at the Crafton Hills Health & Wellness Center, shared a compelling perspective on the real-life impact this partnership will have—providing services such as physicals, screenings, dental and vision care, and 24/7 nurse support, all without adding financial burdens.
IEHP CEO Jarrod McNaughton spoke personally about his own college experience without health coverage and expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to help remove similar barriers for today’s students. IEHP’s Shalon Jones, an SBCCD alum, closed with a powerful reflection on how accessible healthcare supports student success and lifelong opportunity.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the MOU by McNaughton, Dr. Kevin Horan, President of Crafton Hills College, and Dr. Gil Contreras, President of San Bernardino Valley College, accompanied by student leaders and district officials.
This partnership underscores the district’s commitment to addressing students’ basic needs and ensuring wellness as a core component of educational equity.
