Kaiser Permanente Staff Member Named a "Woman of the Year"

Irma Reid already spends her days helping people through her job as a medical assistant at Kaiser Permanente’s South Bay Medical Center--but now she's also helping members of her church, Love & Unity Christian Fellowship of Compton, live healthier lives. Irma received permission from her pastor to start a walking group, called "L&U Walk: Walking our way to better health!" which has grown to include nearly 100 walkers. She, along with several other women from across the 64th Assembly District, were honored by Assemblymember Isadore Hall at an event on March 29 at Los Angeles Harbor College.  

“The initiative that Irma has taken to help the community be more active and healthy is an inspiration,” says Robert Blair, Chief Administrative Officer of Kaiser Permanente’s South Bay Medical Center. “She is a terrific example of the difference that each of us can make to improve the lives of those around us.”  

For many of the walkers, the effects have been transformative. Some have faced serious health challenges in the past, or struggled to find a fitness routine that they could stick with. Between Irma’s text messages (which serve to inspire, remind and even ask, “Are you okay? We missed you today!”) and the supportive group atmosphere, participants continue to return, week in and week out. Walkers meet before or after bible study each Saturday, convening first for stretching and announcements about healthy eating or fitness tips. As a group—all ages, in all shapes and sizes, some with canes or walkers—they set out on a two-mile loop together each week. 

“Walking is great exercise, and it’s a simple thing that most of us can do to live more active, healthier lives. Taking this project on as a team helps us all stick with it and stay motivated,” says Irma. “Having regular exercise as a part of my life makes me feel better—and I wanted to share that gift with the members of my church.”  

In addition to the walking group, Irma also participates in health education events at Love and Unity addressing diabetes and hypertension.