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SAN BERNARDINO, CA - The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), in partnership with the San Bernardino Community Col- lege District and the San Bernardi- no & Riverside Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, will host a graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of the Second Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program on March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, located at 114 S. Del Rosa Dr., San Bernardino, CA.

The event will honor a new group of graduates who have successfully completed the program, which is designed to create meaningful career pathways for formerly in- carcerated and reentry residents of San Bernardino by connecting them to union apprenticeships and workforce opportunities in the skilled trades.

San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran is scheduled to deliver re- marks at the ceremony, recogniz- ing the graduates and acknowl- edging the program's growing impact on the local community. A number of additional commu- nity leaders and special guests are Mayor Helen Tran to Speak at Second Chance Apprenticeship Graduation March 20 also expected to attend in support of the graduates, underscoring the broad community investment in reentry and workforce develop- ment across the region.

The Second Chance Apprentice- ship Readiness Program stands as a model for how cross-sector col- laboration - bringing together community organizations, educa- tional institutions, and local gov- ernment can produce tangible results for individuals reentering society. By equipping graduates with the skills and connections needed to enter the building trades, the program addresses both individual opportunity and the re- gion's broader workforce needs.

A catered lunch will follow immediately after the graduation ceremony.

Members of the press interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected]. For more information about the Second Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program, contact Site Manager Carlos Tavares at ARC.

can often be treated successfully. Applying preventive care and screening regularly helps reduce the risk of late-stage diagnosis and supports better outcomes overall.

What preventive services are in- cluded in Covered California

Letter to the Editor:

Stay Healthy with Free Preventive Care Services

Q&A with Dr. Monica Soni

Maintaining health coverage plays a critical role in protect- ing your long-term health and your family's well-being. Pre- ventive care including routine screenings, wellness visits, and age-appropriate checkups can detect health issues early, sup- port chronic disease management, and help you stay healthier year- round. Covered California health plans include preventive services that are available at no additional cost when you see an in-network provider, even before you meet a deductible. Taking advantage of these benefits and keeping your coverage active are important steps in staying healthy.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Why is preven- tive care, including screenings, so important?

Colorectal cancer is one of the cancers where early detection makes a major difference. Re- search shows that African Ameri- cans have higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality compared to other racial groups, contribut- ing to significant health disparities in the U.S. Black adults are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more like- ly to die from it than most other groups.

Screening tests like colonos- copy or non-invasive stool tests _ can find cancer early or even prevent it by detecting and remov- ing precancerous growths. When identified early, colorectal cancer growth, behavior, vaccines, and FBN/ DBA $99 www.wssnews.com | (909)384-8131

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 health plans, and how can mem- bers make the most of their visits? Covered California health plans include a wide range of preventive services designed to help you stay well. Many recommended screen- ings, checkups, and annual well- ness visits are available at no extra cost to members when you visit an in-network provider.

These services may include: .Colorectal cancer screenings • Breast and cervical cancer screenings

⚫ Blood pressure and diabetes screenings

• Annual wellness exams and immunizations

⚫ HIV and STI screening and counseling

• Well-child visits and develop- mental checks

• Women's preventive care such as osteoporosis screening and reproductive health counseling

Pregnancy and maternal health, including preeclamp- sia prevention and screening and breastfeeding support and counseling

Consider preparing a list of ques- tions about your health history and concerns, discuss screen- ings appropriate for your age and risk factors, and let your provider know you are scheduling a pre- ventive care visit so you can use the benefit fully. For children, preventive visits help monitor developmental milestones which supports healthy childhood development.

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