The COVID-19 health crisis and economic downturn have been dramatic reminders of how much depends on our education and healthcare systems.

The mission statement of The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health is especially relevant as we address the continuing impact of COVID-19 on our children and communities: Bridging health and education to achieve student wellness.

Los Angeles is one of the world’s wealthiest cities, yet more than one-quarter of our children live in poverty. There are wide disparities in healthcare access across our communities. And the Los Angeles Unified School District has one of the highest concentrations of low-income students in California — 84%.

The L.A. Trust provides best practices, research and programs to support school-based healthcare, including the Los Angeles Unified Wellness Network. We support prevention, education and intervention programs focused on mental and oral health, substance use, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health. And we create opportunities for students to become wellness advocates.

Better healthcare leads to better outcomes: Students are able to learn, teachers are able to teach, graduation rates rise and our community thrives.

Nothing is more important than the health of our children. We want to thank our partners and allies for all you’ve done to help The L.A. Trust and our students this past year. We are proud to work with you as we advance student health together during this critical time.

Best regards,