Bazzeni Wellness Center
Our Commitment to Community Health
Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center’s Community Health Education programs promote prevention, wellness, and access to care for people of all ages. Through health education, outreach, and partnerships, we support individuals and families in leading healthier lives. Our mission is rooted in compassion and equity, extending care beyond hospital walls to meet the needs of our community.
Health Education Programs & Events
Our health education programs offer classes, workshops, and community events focused on prevention and wellness. Current topics include heart and brain health, fall prevention, nutrition, and chronic disease management. Offerings vary throughout the year and are listed on our Events page. Each month, we also share a newsletter featuring upcoming classes and community resources.
Mobile Health Unit
Our mobile health unit brings preventive care, screenings, and health resources directly into neighborhoods across Long Beach and surrounding areas (Compton, Paramount, Wilmington and San Pedro). All services are provided by St. Mary Medical Center’s high-skilled healthcare team, including a nurse practitioner, respiratory therapist, and community health worker. Services include:
- Blood pressure screenings
- BMI screenings
- Glucose screenings
- Cholesterol Screenings
- Pulmonary function screenings (respiratory tests)
- Community Resources
Better Breathers Club (BBC)
Our Community Health Education team at St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) offers the Better Breathers Support Group for individuals living with chronic lung conditions. This supportive group is designed for community members managing COPD, post-COVID symptoms, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, or other respiratory conditions, as well as their families and caregivers.
Participants learn practical tools and information to help manage daily life with lung disease. Topics include understanding how lung disease affects the respiratory system, breathing techniques, common medical tests and procedures, and navigating the healthcare system. Sessions also offer space for questions, shared experiences, and connection with others who understand similar challenges.
Meeting Information
When: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (PST)
Where: Virtual session via Zoom
* Sessions take place on the last Tuesday of every month
Join via Zoom:
https://commonspirit.zoom.us/j/99699769620?pwd=RnmBCpJqpa7aVM3g50CHxZGRp95qwr.1&jst=2
Meeting ID: 996 9976 9620
Passcode: 769352
Phone Access: +1 206-337-9723 (US)
Contact Us
For questions related to Community Health Improvement Grants (Community Benefit):
Kit Katz
Director, Community Health
Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach
For information about community health programs, outreach events, or collaborations:
Giovanna A. Lipow, MPH, LSSGB
Program Manager, Community Health Education & Outreach
Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach
[email protected] | 562.491.9187
For information about Mobile Health Unit/BBC services or scheduling:
Jeannette Vargas, MPH
Project Coordinator, Mobile Health Unit
Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach
[email protected] | 562-491-9859