Culver City Observer -

“Helping Mother Nature Thrive,” Kaiser Permanente’s 2016 Rose Parade® float, celebrates the work and dedication of those building healthier communities and helps promote the importance of taking everyday steps to protect and enrich the environment.

Creating healthy communities is central to Kaiser Permanente’s mission and, by supporting numerous partners and programs, is able to transform and improve the neighborhoods where people live, work, learn and play.

“We know that good health is easier to achieve when people are surrounded by a healthy environment,” said Benjamin K. Chu, MD, MPH, MACP, regional president, Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

“We not only support the green efforts of our community partners but we are working to transform the health care sector so that it is ecologically sustainable and supportive of public health and the environment.”

Kaiser Permanente’s Environmental Stewardship program is central to the organization’s Community Benefit mission and vision for total health. For the past 70 years, Kaiser Permanente has aspired to provide health care services in a manner that protects and enhances the environment and the health of the communities it serves.

Riding on the float will be nine individuals who have all participated in and benefited from Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit programs. Through Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) zones, scholarship opportunities and the Summer Youth Employment Program, they continue to encourage healthy communities and partner with other nonprofit organizations to open up access, share knowledge and create environments that empower better health.

The riders include two high school students who are helping to fight obesity through “Activate Whittier;” a sophomore at Stanford University who, besides being a health educator and advocate, is an ambassador for African dance; a Tai-Chi instructor committed to helping others find a balance of mind, body and spirit; a medical student dedicated to providing culturally responsive care; a freshman at UC Berkeley who is reclaiming the alleys in his neighborhood and turning them into healthy green spaces; a nurse using public murals to educate patients with type 2 diabetes; a nursing student working to improve the emotional health of children in Santa Ana; and a freshman at Cal State Long Beach who has overcome physical and environmental challenges and is now dedicating himself to helping others by pursuing a career in health.

“This year’s float riders epitomize Kaiser Permanente’s vision to create thriving communities through partnership and collaboration,” said Angela Coron, managing director, Community Benefit, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “The dedication, hard work, and ingenuity displayed by these individuals is truly inspiring. They demonstrate that, together, we can achieve better health for the people in our diverse communities."

"Helping Mother Nature Thrive," Kaiser Permanente’s 11th Rose Parade float entry, demonstrates the organization's commitment to building healthy environments. Designed and built once again by Fiesta Parade Floats, all of Kaiser Permanente’s past float entries have received an award, including the Judge's Special Trophy for the most spectacular in showmanship and dramatic impact (2015); Theme Trophy for excellence in presenting the parade theme (2013); Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy for the most beautiful float entry from a non-commercial sponsor (2012, 2014); Director's Trophy for most artistic merit in design and floral presentation (2011, 2008, 2006); Extraordinaire Trophy for the "most spectacular" float longer than 55 feet (2010); Tournament Special Trophy for exceptional merit in multiple classifications (2009); and President's Trophy for most effective floral use and presentation (2007).

For additional information about the 2016 Rose Parade, please visit the Tournament of Roses website. For more information about the Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade Float, “Helping Mother Nature Thrive,” please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.