The L.A. Trust updates Youth Advisor program with student input

The youth advisors and guests providing useful insights with The L.A. Trust advocacy team.

The L.A. Trust’s Youth Advisor Program was started last year as a component of the School-Based Health Policy Roundtable. Incorporating youth ideas and voices into advocacy work is critical. This Program provides students with a platform and a pathway to impact healthy policy decisions for their communities and beyond. 

This year has seen a deepening of the Program under the guidance of Nekhoe Hogan, who joined The L.A. Trust a year ago as part of our state community schools grant. Students wanted more input on how health policies are implemented on the ground, and The L.A. Trust took action. Earlier this year Nekhoe recruited three young people with an array of youth leadership experience to act as consultants in redesigning key aspects of the Youth Advisor Program. This collaboration led to changes in the approach to leadership development, the addition of an adult mentorship element, and clarification of the ways in which young people participate in the collaborative. This resulted in a new model for the program that allows student participants to tackle meaningful projects while absorbing foundational advocacy skills and a deeper understanding of school-based health.    

A new cohort of five Youth Advisors entered the program this fall and are learning about school-based health to ground their own advocacy work in this sector. Youth Advisors are learning about new provider positions, including Wellness Coaches and Peer Support Specialists, aimed at improving youth mental health by expanding the type of care young people can receive. They will explore how schools are taking advantage of these emerging roles in school-based health and their initial impact on student well-being. 

Recognizing that the well-being of students is paramount to achieving success, young people are uniquely positioned to provide insight into how traditionally adult spaces can be inclusive of youth voice and participation. The L.A. Trust is excited about the Youth Advisor Program and looks forward to working with young people in shaping policies that positively impact the future. 

Jordan Wellness Center reopens, restoring vital services to the community

Katherine Castro, a senior at Jordan High School and a member of the Student Advisory Board.

The Jordan Wellness Center at Jordan High School in Watts was officially reopened by UMMA (University Muslim Medical Association) this past August, marking a milestone for the school and the community. After being closed due to challenges that came with the pandemic, the Wellness Center is back in operation, offering essential health services to students, families, and community members.

At the reopening ceremony, Katherine Castro, a senior at Jordan High School and a member of our Student Advisory Board shared her journey as a student advocate. “Today is such a proud moment for me, and it’s right up there with one of my best experiences—advocating for this Wellness Center,” Katherine said in her speech. She recounted how she and other students worked with school leadership to address the need for high-quality healthcare services in the area. “Many people around here don’t have access to healthcare services, and we knew how important it was to push for this Wellness Center to open.”

Katherine also highlighted the specific needs this center will meet for students, such as having access to physical checkups without needing to leave campus and providing contraceptives in a trusted space. “Many students don’t know where to go, can’t afford them, or feel uncomfortable asking their parents,” she explained, emphasizing the critical role the center will play.

The L.A. Trust is incredibly proud of Katherine’s leadership and advocacy in pushing for the reopening of this vital resource for her school and community. Her determination and hard work exemplify the power of student voices in bringing about real change.

Katherine Castro with LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

The center’s reopening is a celebration of returning services but also a much-needed lifeline for the community. Watts has long been underserved, with limited access to healthcare providers. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and UMMA Community Clinic CEO Adel Syed joined local leaders to commemorate the occasion, stressing the importance of the clinic in addressing health challenges that often prevent students from fully participating in their education.

The newly reopened center offers a wide range of services, including physicals, behavioral health support, and dental care. With an expected 1,000 patients per month, the clinic will serve both students and community members, fostering a sense of trust and support.

“This reopening represents a crucial step in our commitment to bridging the gap in healthcare access for students and families in underserved areas,” said Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health. “The Jordan Wellness Center will once again be a trusted resource where students can thrive, knowing they have the care they need right on their school campus.”

The Jordan Wellness Center is once again poised to provide a safe and trusted space for the people of Watts, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to those who need it most.

The L.A. Trust awarded contract by L.A. Unified for peer mentorship program

Teachers learning about the peer mentoring program.

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust) has been awarded a contract by L.A. Unified to expand The L.A. Trust’s successful Student Advisory Board model for peer-to-peer mentorship. The new Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program will equip teachers with training across 11 curriculum modules, enabling them to serve as Adult Allies to a Peer-to-Peer Club within their respective schools. The contract spans three years with the potential for extension to five years.

The role of the Adult Ally focuses on supporting students in their journey toward a healthy and successful life, assisting them in applying wellness strategies in their interactions with peers and family members. Peer-to-Peer Club members emerge as health advocates, refining their leadership abilities by mentoring and training their peers on various topics such as mental health, substance use, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health to name a few.

"We are excited for this expanded opportunity to work with teachers to become Adult Allies,” said Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust. “This vote of confidence by L.A. Unified in our proven training model allows us to multiply our impact by helping teachers empower students to take charge of their health and that of their peers.”

The official training for teachers from 28 high-need schools, selected by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, started in February of this year. The training consists of a blend of in-person and virtual sessions. The three-day training covers a range of topics.

Teachers discussing health campaign strategies.

·       Day one focuses on elucidating the purpose and responsibilities of the Adult Ally, employing positive youth development strategies, addressing legal considerations, and establishing a Peer-to-Peer Club.

·       Day two continues with the recruitment and administration of the Peer-to-Peer Club discussions on marketing and evaluation expectations, and strategies for designing and executing health campaigns.

·       Day three delves into youth mental health, addressing crisis intervention, stigma reduction, and the significance of mental health within and beyond the school environment.

Noe Rivera, Associate Director of Programs at The L.A. Trust, and the lead trainer, said, “Each module has been crafted to provide Adult Allies with the tools necessary to proactively address the health challenges prevalent in their schools, homes, and communities.”

This year's cohort is comprised mostly of middle schools with an emphasis on reaching students who typically fall outside the conventional mold of the "perfect student," including those who are reserved or less involved. This approach is essential for the holistic development of such students over the school year.

The L.A. Trust is grateful for the opportunity to expand its longstanding efforts in working with students. The contract represents a significant stride towards The L.A. Trust’s overarching goal of increasing students’ access to health services and education. As we continue to grow our impact, we remain committed to empowering schools and communities to prioritize the holistic well-being of every student.

Encouraging wellness at the Y2Y Health Summit

Student health advocates and their adult allies joined us at the Y2Y Health Summit this year.

Earlier this month on April 5, The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health held its annual Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Health Summit at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. The summit fosters a close-knit community where students from all walks of life can come together, share experiences, learn, and lift each other up.  

The event featured workshops on a broad spectrum of subjects from mental health to navigating social media and advocating for healthcare check-ups. This year, students and partners offered six student-led workshops.  

• Santee High School students presented "Ease Your Mind: Exploring New Coping Skills," offering students new ways to manage stress.  

• MaCES High School students hosted the "Calm Room," a sanctuary for students seeking peace and quiet. h 

• Belmont High School students explored the connection between "Nutrition & Mental Health: Mind, Body, Connection," emphasizing the impact of diet on mental well-being.  

• Carson High School's "Relationships Wait: We’re Not Really Strangers" encouraged deeper connections among students. 

• Fremont High School students led "Let's Fight Stigmas," a campaign against societal prejudices.  

• Jefferson High School students educated on the dangers of tobacco and drug use with "Stop Before You Start: Adolescent Tobacco and Drug Use Prevention." 

Dr. Rosina Franco

Keynote speaker Dr. Rosina Franco shared her remarkable journey of resilience and ambition. Born to Mexican immigrant parents in a modest household, Dr. Franco broke barriers by being the first family member to complete both undergraduate and medical studies. The virtues of hard work and persistence instilled by her parents and observed in her eight siblings played a significant role in her achievements. Her story not only illustrated the significance of support and motivation but also highlighted how pivotal moments and individuals can steer one's life towards remarkable accomplishments. 

This year’s event had an 80s theme with new wave pop music and some students and staff dressing to fit the colorful era. During lunch students enjoyed tacos and a delightful trip down memory lane with an assortment of nostalgic elementary school games that infused the event with energy and laughter. The summit exemplified the seamless integration of educational content and entertaining activities, offering a platform that motivates attendees to focus on their health and wellness. 

Students jumping rope during lunchtime.

As Patty Salmeron, Senior Program Manager at The L.A. Trust, summed up, " The energy and excitement as students participated in workshops, played games, took photos and networked – all while some wearing awesome 80s outfits - it was an amazing summit."  

The Y2Y Health Summit was created to help students focus on the comprehensive wellness of the individual. Y2Y acknowledges that being healthy extends beyond physical well-being to include mental, emotional, and social facets of life. This perspective is particularly relevant in an era where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent among youth. By centering on holistic health and wellness that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit, the summit reflects The L.A. Trust's dedication to fostering a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle for students. 

The success of the Y2Y Health Summit would not have been possible without the support of our partners, who played an essential role in making the event a success. Dr. David Lyons, Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles County Public Health, Wellness Network In LAUSD, Fcancer, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, UCLA, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and CalMHSA all provided valuable resources and support to the students in attendance. 
 

Youth inspiring a healthier future

Mendez High School students at the KLCS studio.

The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health collaborated with Kaiser Permanente and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to launch a media campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of the Medi-Cal renewal process. 

Uninterrupted healthcare requires continual education and awareness, especially for programs that serve as safety nets for marginalized communities. One such program is Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to millions of low-income residents. To maintain these benefits, individuals are periodically required to undergo Medi-Cal redetermination or renewal to confirm their ongoing eligibility for the program. During Covid-19, Medi-Cal was automatically renewed; however, this year the responsibility is once again back on the individual to renew their coverage. 

This annual redetermination is how Medi-Cal ensures that those receiving benefits still meet the eligibility criteria based on income, family size, and other factors. Neglecting the redetermination can lead to a loss of coverage, potentially leaving individuals and families without access to vital healthcare services. 

(from left:) Axel Berganza, Samantha Hernandez, Nathalie Galvan, Jonathan Hernandez

To ensure this important message resonated with our audience, The L.A. Trust called on Student Advisory Board members (peer-to-peer educators) from Mendez High School to help in crafting the materials. By empowering these students to take the reins—creating social media posts, flyers, a public service announcement (PSA), and a comprehensive toolkit—the campaign was given an authentic voice that aims for a greater reach and impact. 

The campaign project saw students embrace various roles—some wrote scripts for the PSA while some stepped in front of the camera to bring those words to life. Students channeled their creativity into designing flyers and generating captivating content, and other students curated the social media presence essential for today’s outreach efforts. The students also put their language skills to use by crafting all materials in English and Spanish, ensuring the message appealed to a wider audience. 

With multiple touchpoints across multiple channels, the campaign’s English-language PSA, now airing on KLCS TV, adds a broadcast dimension to the awareness efforts. It is a true testament to the power of community engagement and the positive force that arises when youth step forward as ambassadors of public health information. 

The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health continues to prove that a collaborative spirit—combined with the impassioned voices of informed youth—is an unstoppable force in the crusade for public health advancement. Through campaigns like the Medi-Cal redetermination awareness initiative, students highlight the essential truth that health education is most powerful when it engages the heart of the community. 

Elevating student voices at the LAUSD Health Collaborative

Nathalie Galvan, Destiny Ramirez, and Thomas Rodriguez

On January 10th, Mendez High School Student Advisory Board (SAB) members Nathalie Galvan, Destiny Ramirez, and Thomas Rodriguez were among the panelists at the LAUSD Health Collaborative held at the California Endowment. The gathering was an exceptional opportunity for student health and educational leaders across Los Angeles County to come together; they shared unique perspectives, pitched innovative ideas, and engaged in constructive criticism among like-minded professionals.

This year’s event sought to elevate youth voices and learn from students how to best serve their health needs. Far too often student voices are left out of these important conversations.

The Mendez High School SAB members spoke to the audience about barriers they and their peers face when receiving services from school-based healthcare. They shed light on prevalent health concerns within their communities and provided valuable feedback on strategies to make healthcare more accessible to youth. Their contributions underscored the importance of early access to healthcare services through schools, and the need for more education in enrollment for comprehensive dental health coverage.

Thomas Rodriguez providing valuable feedback as a panelist.

Student Thomas Rodriguez reflected on the event saying, "I had a lot of fun and I'm even more interested in public health!" His enthusiasm underscores the impact of including student voices in these discussions.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the importance of forming partnerships with compassionate care providers, and LAUSD Chief Medical Director Dr. Malhotra discussed the value of data in driving change. Alongside them, The L.A. Trust board member Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, a UCLA pediatrician and researcher, highlighted how social determinants of health affect student attendance and healthcare outcomes.

The event concluded on an empowering note, leaving attendees inspired by the youths’ perspectives and invigorated to break the silos in school-based health. It was a call to action for deeper collaboration, and a reminder of the overall purpose in the room - to serve their community.

The youth leaders left the event feeling heard, valued, and inspired. They advocated for themselves and their needs, and engaged with professionals who have the power to make the changes they need. This LAUSD Health Collaborative was a testament to the importance of youth voice and working collaboratively towards a healthier future for our students.

High school students and the challenges of New Year’s resolutions

Garfield High School students at a lunchtime tabling event.

As we usher in a new year, it’s common for many of us to set resolutions—goals that we hope will lead to personal growth and improvement throughout the year. The L.A. Trust recently spoke with students at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles about their New Year’s resolutions and outlook on the year ahead.

These high school students are members of our Student Advisory Board which provides health-related peer-to-peer education and outreach on campus and in the community. Their responses were enlightening and inspirational knowing that our future leaders are striving to be better for themselves.

The students all agreed that New Year’s resolutions were important because, like goals, they outline what you’re aiming for in the new year. “New Year’s resolutions can represent a fresh start,” said senior Christina Aguila. “It’s like a promise to yourself to start new and work hard towards your goals with a clear mindset.”

Senior Stephanie Vasquez added that “resolutions are important to me because they help keep me on track through the year, and it becomes something I look forward to completing.”

However, the journey to achieving our resolutions can be tough. Many resolutions often involve adopting new habits and behaviors which require consistent effort and discipline. When we asked students if they think they will stick to their resolutions most answers were optimistic; Junior Jazzlyn Martinez stated, “I usually do because I like to stick to my goals,” and sophomore Kayla Martinez confidently affirmed, “yes, I will stick to them.”

Senior Jacqueline Rivas was pragmatic saying, “If I make them, I may struggle a bit to stick with them, but in the end, I think I am able to bring it into my daily routine.”

As members of our Student Advisory Board, it’s no surprise that the students’ resolutions mostly revolved around healthy living – physically and mentally.

Sophomore Daisy Aguilar said, “I have to eat healthier, exercise more, and learn not to talk bad about myself. I need to be nicer to myself, especially when I am by myself.”

Stephanie Vasquez aims to improve her relationships and take better care of herself saying, “I would like to be more confident and more adventurous.”

Jazzlyn Martinez said that she will work on not stressing about things she has no control over, and to be open to new ideas and experiences. “I plan on reaching my resolutions by cultivating an open mindset. I’ll try to remember that there is a reason for everything, and there is no point in stressing about it even if I don’t know the reason in that moment.”

The Garfield High students also expressed their desires to change their spending habits, save more, get more rest, improve their grades, and get their driver’s license.

Senior Fabiola Mejia, for example, is determined to get her driver’s license this year. “Yes, I need to make this happen,” she says.

Junior Jocelyn Cisneros plans to “try my best in school and finish with all A’s.”

Christina Aguila’s resolutions included improving her finances. “I need to just get a job and think about my purchase decisions a bit more before making them. I’ll be more careful when deciding whether this purchase is really necessary or worth it.”

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to state your goals and measure your progress throughout the year. As the saying goes, “a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking.” The L.A. Trust encourages our SAB members to aim high and pursue excellence in their resolutions. Mistakes may happen, and life’s circumstances may create obstacles, but the key is to persevere.

The students at Garfield High are optimistic heading into the new year and we at The L.A. Trust are inspired by their outlook and aspirations. We are excited to continue working with all our smart, energetic, and ambitious SAB members. Here’s to a happy 2024!

Back to school, back to health

Belmont High School students wearing yellow ribbons to show support for suicide prevention.

While some students may disagree, this time of year we call Back to School is an exciting time representing another stepping-stone in our children’s scholastic journey. Back to School is an opportunity to recommit, re-engage and reconnect with friends who were missed over the summer. The importance of connection and socialization for students cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that socializing with peers greatly improves mental well-being. By returning to school, students can immerse themselves in activities like sports, clubs, and social events, significantly boosting their overall emotional state. 

In addition to providing a rich learning environment, many of our schools also serve as health hubs in collaboration with public health organizations and healthcare providers that can have a profound impact on students' mental and physical health. These partnerships provide crucial mental health services, vaccinations, and health checkups, all while educating students about wellness. 

A great example of this is the recent Summer Learning Academy organized by The L.A. Trust for the Student Advisory Board (SAB) members from fifteen LAUSD Wellness Center campuses. This virtual event served as an orientation for incoming SAB members, fostering learning and collaborative planning for the upcoming school year. SAB members gained insight into their roles as peer health educators, navigators, and mobilizers within their school communities, championing healing, recovery, and youth empowerment. 

The students received informative training in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention, a critical skill given the concerning findings from a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, released in February 2023, highlighted a worrisome increase in sadness, violence, and suicidal ideation among teenage girls, with 75% of U.S. teen girls reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021. Equipped with this critical skill, they are better prepared to address mental health concerns and provide support to their peers in need. "Our student health leaders are catalysts for positive change. With their knowledge and compassion, they're shaping a healthier, brighter tomorrow for us all,” said Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust. 

During the academy, students learned about the various services offered at their campus or nearby Wellness Center, including mental health care, vaccinations, and physical checkups. They also received training on maintaining well-being so they can share this information with their peers once school starts.  

Throughout the school year, students will participate in weekly training sessions led by an Adult Ally from The L.A. Trust. These sessions focus on four core competencies: mental health, substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, and oral health. By delving into these subjects, students gain a comprehensive understanding of vital health topics that they can share with others. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to develop their marketing and communication skills by creating engaging social media posts, flyers, informative brochures, and organizing campus events to share their insights and experiences.  

As the school year begins and these extraordinary individuals step into the spotlight, The L.A. Trust celebrates their potential, applauds their commitment, and supports their endeavors. We are proud of our student health leaders. Armed with their ambitious energy and comprehensive health knowledge, their impact will shape our communities and spearhead our mission of providing education and access to high quality, compassionate care. 

Y2Y Health Summit highlights and reflections

Over 120 student health advocates and their adult allies joined us at Y2Y Health Summit this year.

Earlier this month on May 5, The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health held the annual Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Health Summit at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. The Y2Y Health Summit is not your average health conference. It is a unique event that puts the spotlight on young people and empowers them to take charge of their health. The summit not only provides students with a platform to showcase their work, but it also gives them an opportunity to connect with other like-minded students from different schools and backgrounds. This sense of community is crucial, especially in today's fast-paced and highly competitive world where students are often under immense pressure to perform. 

Y2Y workshop on coping with triggers through meditation.

The workshops offered at the summit were carefully curated to cater to the diverse needs and interests of the students. From mental health to social media and health advocacy, the topics covered were relevant and engaging. For instance, the UCLA health career panel provided students with insights into various healthcare professions that might inspire them to pursue careers in the healthcare industry. Similarly, the workshop on coping with triggers through meditation provided students with practical tools to manage stress and anxiety, which can be invaluable in their daily lives. 

What sets the Y2Y Health Summit apart is the emphasis on the holistic well-being of students. The event recognizes that health is not just about physical fitness but encompasses all aspects of one's life, including mental, emotional, and social health. This approach is refreshing and much needed, especially in today's world, where mental health issues are on the rise among young people. The summit's focus on total health and wellness for the body, mind, and soul is a testament to The L.A. Trust’s commitment to promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for students.

Dr. David Lyons, keynote speaker.

The keynote speech delivered by Dr. David Lyons, also known as “Doctor Homie,” at this year's Y2Y Health Summit was a highlight of the event. Dr. Lyons shared his personal story of overcoming adversity to pursue a career in medicine, which was an inspiration to the students in attendance. He spoke candidly about how the hardships he encountered early in life fueled his determination to pursue medicine as a career. One of the most powerful moments of his speech was when he shared his personal struggle with his sexuality, which was a significant obstacle in his journey. Dr. Lyons emphasized the importance of self-reflection and seeking support from friends and mentors in overcoming personal challenges. His military service and attendance at a community college helped him find direction and purpose, leading him to pursue a medical degree. He discussed his experiences with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how he overcame trauma to achieve his goals. Throughout his speech, he emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding, encouraging his audience of high school and middle school students to take pride in their peer-to-peer health work as it can be life-changing. Dr. Lyons' story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of individuals who overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams and highlights the importance of leveling the playing field for all.

Reach LA vogue training segment with students.

The event was held on Cinco de Mayo. Lunch included tacos, and students were entertained by performances from the organization Reach LA. The group performed a drag show and a vogue show, adding to the energetic atmosphere of the event. During a fun vogue training segment, students were even able to participate and learn some moves themselves. The event's vibrant atmosphere and opportunities for entertainment created an enjoyable and engaging experience for the students in attendance. The Y2Y Health Summit is an excellent example of how education and entertainment can be combined to create a dynamic and informative event that empowers and inspires young people to prioritize their health and well-being.

The success of the Y2Y Health Summit would not have been possible without the support of our partners, who played an essential role in making the event a success. Black Women for Wellness, REACH LA, Primary Health, Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles County Public Health, Reality Management, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and Universal Community Health Center all provided valuable resources and support to the students in attendance.

As Patty Salmeron, Senior Program Manager at The L.A. Trust, noted, "I really appreciated our tabling partners who provided great resources for the students. It elevates everyone's experience when you have partners who want to be there and believe in what we're doing and want to support the students." The enthusiasm and dedication of these partners helped create a positive and supportive atmosphere. 

Overall, the Y2Y Health Summit is a valuable resource for students across the district. It provides them with a safe and supportive space to learn, connect, and grow, and equips them with the knowledge and skills to take control of their health. The event's success is a testament to the power of student-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on communities. As Marsha Ellis, The L.A. Trust’s Director of Programs, rightly puts it, "The L.A. Trust is proud to continue supporting youth across the district as they work to bring important health education and resources to their campuses and communities." 

Students advocate for hydration stations at Washington Prep High School

Student advocates and speakers pose in front of the hydration station at Washington Prep High School.

The L.A. Trust was proud to be a part of the Water Station launch event at George Washington Preparatory High School this past December. The new water station effort was spearheaded by young leaders from the Washington Prep Student Advisory Board (SAB). These SAB water advocates, through a successful partnership with school administrators and facilities staff, raised awareness of the issue and the benefits of hydration stations to help the school identify and evaluate potential locations for hydration stations. The school had several water fountains throughout the campus, but some did not work properly, and some were deemed unsafe or inadequate during the pandemic. Recognizing the need, students took it upon themselves to advocate for hydration stations.

SAB advocate filling up the donated water bottle at the new hydration station.

The SAB members wanted to promote healthy habits and make a positive impact in their school community. They raised awareness about the importance of staying hydrated, and the environmental impact of disposable plastic water bottles. Hydration stations are water fountains that are specifically designed to fill reusable water bottles, and they can be a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic water bottles.

The L.A. Trust and the Metropolitan Water District donated water bottles for all 800 students at Washington Prep High School. Water-wise materials were distributed to students and campus staff by We Tap.

To commemorate the event and to recognize the students for being leaders and leaving their mark, Washington Prep Principal Tony Booker announced that the SAB member names will be listed on tiles to be placed above the hydration station in the lunch area.

Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust said, “It is vital that we give students the tools to advocate for themselves, as they will be the innovators of tomorrow who can truly make a positive impact on the world.”

SAB advocates at Washington Prep High School.

Hydration is an essential part of maintaining good health and is especially important for the growing bodies of our young people. Investing in hydration stations at schools is an investment in our students' wellness and well-being. By advocating for this simple resource, these SAB members became empowered as young leaders who can make a difference both now and in their futures. The experience provided an opportunity to learn about the policy and political process, teamwork and leadership skills. Advocacy in high school is not limited to just hydration stations, it can also be used to create change and rally support for other improvements in our schools.

Speakers at the launch event included Patrice Marshall Mckenzie representing LAUSD Board Member District 1, Dr. George McKenna; Tony Booker, Washington Prep. Principal; Mark Hovatter, LAUSD Facilities Director; Kate Nutting, General Manager Southwest District Manager; Evelyn Wendell, Executive Director of WeTap; Joseph Chavez, Jr., Metropolitan Water District; and Marsha Ellis, Director of Programs at The L.A. Trust.

The L.A. Trust, students and allies start the school year strong

Washington Prep High School SAB members at a table recruiting event.

Our Student Advisory Boards (SABs) have proven to be invaluable in raising awareness and providing feedback on student outreach campaigns, and  this school year promises to be another momentous year for student-led action.

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health continues its education and outreach on student mental health, sexual and reproductive health, healthy living, and substance abuse through our SABs. We currently have 13 SABs located on high school campuses across L.A. Unified School District, including our latest addition, Sylvia Mendez High School in Boyle Heights. The SABs are managed by Adult Allies who serve as professional liaisons and educators to support the student volunteers in their education and outreach efforts to their peers.

Why Join a SAB

Throughout the year SAB volunteers are given opportunities to hone their leadership skills and develop as a persuasive public speaker. Not only does the volunteer experience look good on college applications, but the skills practiced while serving on a SAB can be life changing. For example, a recent graduate of Washington Prep High School, Taaliyah Tucker, credits her work in the SAB for helping her grow into a confident and powerful public speaker.

The Year Ahead

Belmont High School SAB members placing yellow suicide prevention ribbons on student backpacks for anti-suicide campaign week.

SAB volunteers will manage tabling events and workshops throughout the year that focus on student health issues, including HPV and other STIs, substance use, daily challenges, and safer sex. The first major campaign of the year is taking place this September and will focus on suicide prevention. The SABs are scheduled to have tables at events and post extensively on social media throughout this month. Students will share resources that are available 24/7 for those seeking help, including the Trevor Project (866 488-7386), focused on LGBTQ+ youth but open to all, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800 273 8255 in English and Spanish). One can also text HELLO TO 741741 anytime. 

SAB volunteer Emily Galvez is looking forward to the 2022 school year. “I am a senior at Jordan High School and I’m excited to be part of the SAB because this is my first year,” said Galvez. “I get to gain from these experiences and share what I’ve learned with others who might not know where or how to get the resources they need to stay in good health. I’m also looking forward to all the fun events we have planned and meeting new people.”

The L.A. Trust is proud to work with students like Taaliyah and Emily. All of our students are excited about the new school year as they prepare to share and learn with their peers. The L.A. Trust understands that the success of our school outreach efforts and the magnitude of our impact is in no small part thanks to the success of our Student Advisory Boards – and we stand ready to support them in this important endeavor.

Students engage in conversation on mental health at our annual Summer Academy

Members of The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards prepared for the new school year at The L.A. Trust Student Health Summer Learning Academy online.

This July Student Advisory Board (SAB) members from ten LAUSD Wellness Center campuses  prepared for a new school year at The L.A. Trust’s annual Summer Learning Academy on student health. The virtual event served as an orientation for incoming students joining the SABs and was an opportunity for participants to learn more about us and collaborate on challenges for the coming year.

 “We had great participation from the students this year,” said Senior Program Manager Robert Renteria. “Students were engaged in conversations that covered topics such as consent, mental health, sexual and reproductive health and identity.”

Students from ten LAUSD campuses — Belmont, Carson, Crenshaw, Elizabeth Learning Center, Garfield, Jordan, Locke, Monroe, Santee and Washington — attended. The students were joined by staff members from The L.A. Trust’s student engagement team, LAUSD Adult Allies, and mental health professionals.

A video to educate teens about depression and what to do if you or a friend is depressed.

Tanya Mercado and Frank Dussan, psychiatric social workers from LAUSD, helped lead a discussion on mental health and resources. Attendees also watched and discussed More than Sad, a video on depression and the stigma surrounding mental health that keeps youth from seeking treatment. 

 “We are expecting this engagement to translate to a great year of health promotion on campuses,” Renteria said. “The students are crucial to the success of our school outreach. Peer to peer outreach is a proven strategy and our SAB members are prepared with information to help support other students in their path to health and success. We are inspired by their enthusiasm and creativity and we’re looking forward to a great school year ahead.” Other topics included data and public health, including The L.A. Trust Data xChange, selfcare, sexuality and identity, healthy relationship and how to create and conduct health campaigns. 

Seeking to reach more teens with TikTok grant

The L.A. Trust will pilot the TikTok Challenge with the Carson High School SAB.

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health was recently awarded a six-month, $21,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Community Ambassador Network (CAN) Youth program to help reach students on the TikTok social media platform who may be suffering from emotional or mental distress.  In late 2021, TikTok rolled out new resources to support the well-being of its hundreds of millions of users, most of whom are teens and young adults. The resources include in-app videos that address “youth signs of struggling” and “youth steps to create a connection,” with an aim toward helping people who are dealing with mental health issues.

The CAN Youth Program TikTok Grant will be used by The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards (SAB) to spearhead a TikTok Challenge aimed at increasing mental health awareness and promotion among Los Angeles County youth. The L.A. Trust will pilot the TikTok Challenge with the Carson High School SAB.

“This is another great opportunity to engage our Student Advisory Boards and get our youth involved in creating a positive, healthy impact in their schools and their communities,” said Maryjane Puffer, executive director at The L.A. Trust. “The creativity of our students knows no bounds and we look forward to creating exciting new content - for students, by students.”

The L.A. Trust Student Advisory Boards are led by volunteer student health advocates who can hone their leadership skills by mentoring and training their peers. This social media investment aims to help educate teens on mental illness by developing and vetting a compilation of approved video messages for wellness, “how to help a friend;” “where to find support;” “you are not alone;” and “the teen line.”

Silent epidemic of mental illness

The mental health and well-being of students has gained greater urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth data from Mental Health America found that 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. Youth experiencing mental health episodes continue to go untreated. Twenty-one percent of youth aged 13 to 18 live with mental illness severe enough to cause significant impairment in their daily lives. Three out of four children with mental health needs in California do not receive treatment.

Why TikTok

The pandemic has shown just how effective TikTok can be when trying to reach youth. Powered by a highly personalized content recommendation system, the TikTok video platform has broken download records, quickly becoming the go-to app for connecting with teenagers. Recently, TikTok rolled out some new restrictions on DMs for teens to make sure the app is safe and available for every age. The platform also gives teenagers a place to learn more about anxiety, sexuality, depression, and relationship abuse.

We at The L.A. Trust welcome the opportunity to incorporate a new creative channel to further reach our youth and help them communicate with each other on such an important topic as mental health. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming TikTok campaigns.

Y2Y Health Summit empowers youth as educators and students

A total of 90 students from 11 schools attended this year’s event, surpassing last year’s virtual Y2Y Health Summit.

Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health held the annual Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Health Summit last month on April 1, 2022 at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. The free conference is led by youth, for youth, and offers workshops that focus on total health and wellness for the body, mind and soul. The event aims to elevate youth voices and give students an opening to connect with each other through health.

A total of 90 students from 11 schools attended this year’s event, surpassing last year’s virtual Y2Y Health Summit. “This is a huge accomplishment for being our first ever event since COVID quarantine,” said Robert Renteria, The L.A. Trust’s senior program manager who helped facilitate the gathering. This year’s Y2Y Health Summit was filled with students sharing information on sexual and reproductive health, HPV vaccination, substance use prevention, and mental health.

The Health Summit’s workshops focused on nutrition and mental health, reproductive rights, stress and mental health, substance abuse, oral health, and community building through creative arts and social justice.

We were proud to have Taaliyah Tucker at this year’s Y2Y Health Summit as the keynote speaker. Ms. Tucker is a former member of the “Wash Squad” Student Advisory Board (SAB) at Washington Preparatory High School. She graduated last year and today she attends Los Angeles Trade Tech where she is studying culinary arts.

When we first met Ms. Tucker she did not enjoy public speaking and could not imagine herself volunteering to speak to a group of students. However, through her work in the “Wash Squad” she became an excellent ally and mental health advocate for students. Ms. Tucker was also instrumental in our outreach to students focusing on substance use and tobacco prevention while working closely with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her message in the keynote was to “be your authentic self.”

We would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success, including LAUSD staff, and members of The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards from the Belmont, Carson, Crenshaw, Elizabeth Learning Center, Fremont, Hollywood, Jefferson, Jordan, Locke, Monroe and Santee campuses.

The Y2Y Health Summit would not be possible without our generous partners including LA County Department of Mental Health, LA Trade Tech, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Dairy Council of California, Essential Access Health, Reach LA, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, CalMHSA, LA Unified School District, F*ck Cancer, Student Health and Human Services, and the Wellness Networks of LAUSD.

Q&A with Joe Sanberg: A journey from Wall Street to activism

Joe Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration, went from Wall Street to activism and funded The L.A. Trust COVID-19 Youth Task Force this summer.

Joe Sanberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist. After graduating from Harvard, he became a Wall Street analyst but left because he disliked working in an industry that “totally divorced service from profit.” He invested in start-ups like the meal delivery service Blue Apron. In 2013 he co-founded Aspiration, Inc., a socially conscious financial services company. Sanberg was instrumental in establishing the California Earned Income Tax Credit in 2015 and founded CalEITC4Me, one of the state’s largest anti-poverty programs. Introduced to The L.A. Trust by Emily Kane of Ethos Giving, he funded the COVID-19 Youth Task Force, implemented by The L.A. Trust, L.A. Unified, and the UCLA Department of Community Health Science, Fielding School of Public Health. 

Q. You grew up in Southern California, attended Harvard and worked as a Wall Street analyst. What prompted you to become a socially conscious investor and anti-poverty activist? 

A. The values that my mom instilled in me as a young person. And my brother telling me, when I was 29, that my 18-year-old self wouldn’t like the person that I had become. The fact that I had become disconnected from my core values sparked me to reconnect with the person my mom raised me to be and with what I believe my purpose in this world is. 

Q. COVID-19 struck communities of color especially hard. How do healthcare, education, income inequality and racism contribute to poor health outcomes? 

A. Most of all, what the Covid-19 pandemic showed us is that the lie we’ve been told that we, as a nation, can’t afford to do transformational things has always been a lie. We can afford to do all the things we need to do to end poverty, provide healthcare and root out systemic racism from our institutions, we just lack the political will to do so. We saw that when it came to rescuing corporations, there was no scarcity of trillions of dollars worth of bailouts for them, which is yet another reminder that the United States has what it needs to create financial security, justice and fairness for all its citizens. This is the fourth major instance within a century through which we’ve been reminded that there’s no scarcity of resources in this country. We were reminded when the economy was bailed out after the market crash in the early part of the 20th century. We were reminded when we spent trillions of dollars on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were reminded when the government bailed out Wall Street banks during the 2008 financial crisis. And we were reminded yet again during the Covid-19 pandemic that the reason we are not providing justice, fairness and economic security for all is not because we can’t afford to do so, it’s because the government has chosen not to do so. 

Q. We mentioned Harvard and Wall Street, but you were raised by a single mom in very modest circumstances. Why are so many Americans trapped in intergenerational poverty? 

A. So many Americans are trapped in intergenerational poverty because of our system. Our system is designed to trap people in poverty, not help them get out of it. Our system and our tax code are designed to ensconce wealth in the hands of those who already have it, which definitionally, also ensconces the legacies of racism, misogyny and slavery that go back to our nation’s founding. Our country was founded with slavery encoded into its laws; with the inability of women to vote and own property. Our tax code is prejudiced in favor of legacy wealth. Our system makes concrete the very injustices that go back to our nation’s founding. 

Q. You’ve said you quit Wall Street because it “divorced service from profit.” How have you managed to link service and profit as an investor?  

A. I don’t think of myself as an investor; I think of myself as an entrepreneur and business builder. And as an entrepreneur, I create organizations whose success is connected to the value they deliver to their stakeholders, their customers, their employees and their communities. How do we remarry profit and purpose? There’s nothing wrong with making money as long as you’re delivering value to people. What’s gone wrong on Wall Street is that profit has become its own purpose. 

Q. In addition to income inequality, you’re passionate about the environment. This is really a social justice issue, since people of color live in communities subjected to the worst pollution. How do we work for environmental justice? 

A. We work for environmental justice by innovating in both the public and private sectors and by applying pressure on businesses and government to radically reduce carbon emissions here in the United States and around the world. Solving the climate crisis is going to require innovation -- the creation of new things that perform in new ways. But it’s also going to require changing behaviors we are accustomed to, like reducing how much we drive gasoline-powered vehicles and how much fossil fuels we burn to create energy. We need the next generation to create new companies and organizations that do not plunder the planet for profit but utilize sustainable resources. We need you! And remember, there is no environmental justice without racial and economic justice, and there’s no racial and economic justice without environmental justice. The communities that are hardest hit by injustices are those that have the least power. Injustice is about a power imbalance, and so we must empower young people to join together and use their voices and their resources to demand change.  

Q. If you could flip a switch and just change one big thing, what would it be? 

A. That every person would have free healthcare. 

Q. You’re only 42. What do you want to do with the rest of your life? What would you like your legacy to be? 

A. I’d like my legacy to be that I did everything I possibly could, as sincerely and effectively as I could, with my God-given time and abilities, to end poverty. I want to be able to look back on my life and know that there was nothing I could have done that I didn't do. 

Student health advocates prepare for a healthy year

Members of  The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards prepared for the new school year at The L.A. Trust Student Health Summer Learning Academy online.  

Student Advisory Board members from LAUSD Wellness Center campuses prepared for a healthy — and challenging — new school year at The L.A. Trust’s annual Summer Learning Academy on student health online July 27–30. 

“The turnout and level of engagement was impressive,” said Senior Program Manager Robert Renteria. “These student health advocates are highly motivated — it is an honor to work with them.”  Students from six LAUSD campuses — Belmont, Carson, Crenshaw, Jordan, Locke and Washington — attended. The students were joined by staff members from The L.A. Trust’s student engagement team, LAUSD Adult Allies and several special guests. 

Students were given an orientation on the Wellness Centers and The L.A. Trust, minor consent and confidentiality and an overview of youth mental health.  

Carla Lavelle and Frank Dussan, psychiatric social workers from LAUSD, helped lead a discussion on mental health and resources. Attendees watched and discussed More than Sad, a video on depression. Stigma was identified a leading barrier to youth seeking treatment. 

“As students go back to school after more than a year of pandemic isolation and stress, it’s important that these peer educators have all the information and resources possible,” Renteria said. 

Other topics included data and public health, including The L.A. Trust Data xChange, selfcare, sexuality and identity, healthy relationship and how to create and conduct health campaigns. 

Cedars grant to The L.A. Trust will grow healthcare access and advocacy

Cedars-Sinai is growing its community outreach with a new grant to The L.A. Trust. Photo courtesy Cedars-Sinai.  

Cedars-Sinai has awarded $800,000 to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health to expand advocacy, equity and effectiveness of school-based healthcare in Los Angeles County.

The goals of the two-year initiative include expanding student agency and healthcare access and increasing visits at 19 L.A. Unified Wellness Centers in high-need neighborhoods.  

 “This grant is a game changer,” said Maryjane Puffer, executive director of The L.A. Trust. “It will enable us and our partners to make long-needed improvements in school-based healthcare and prevention programs and support our students and communities as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address the ongoing effects of systemic racism.”  

“Cedars-Sinai recognizes the significance of The L.A. Trust’s approach to ensuring access to care,” said Jonathan Schreiber, vice president of Community Engagement. “We are proud to support The L.A. Trust in the launch of this timely effort to meet the increased wellness needs of students in our communities.” 

The Cedars-Sinai grant will fund a School Health and Wellness Initiative that will develop best practices, expand student engagement and foster research and innovation:

Policy Roundtable 

The initiative will help re-establish The L.A. Trust Student Health Policy Roundtable and develop it into a robust cohort of Los Angeles-based partners that will advocate for funding and policies that improve the well-being of Los Angeles County public school students. The roundtable will address pressing student health concerns, including anti-racism priorities.  

Student engagement

The grant will also help The L.A. Trust expand student engagement by adding Student Advisory Boards at new or recently established Wellness Centers on Los Angeles Unified campuses. Student engagement is a key driver of campus change, enlisting hundreds of students each year to develop health campaigns that reach tens of thousands of students. Student Advisory Board members will also be consulted by the Policy Roundtable for input and participation.  

Research and resources

The initiative will also help increase access and improve services across the Wellness Network. This will be accomplished through The L.A. Trust Data xChange, a first-in-the-nation initiative that links student health metrics with academic and attendance data to identify concerns and find solutions. Other research and best practices funded by the Cedar-Sinai grant will include a verified school-health integration measurement tool, community events such as clinic open houses, and The L.A. Trust’s long-running Wellness Network Learning Collaboratives.   

“Cedars-Sinai is a generous and forward-thinking community partner,” said Anna Baum, director of development and communications for The L.A. Trust. “They are deeply concerned about student and community health, and their expertise and funding have supported our work in mental health, oral health and prevention education for five years,” Baum said. “We are grateful for their partnership and for making this important new initiative possible.”   

Student advocates explore teen health at Y2Y Summit

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Summit on April 1 featured frank talk, strong engagement and a Millennium theme.

Honest discussions and strong engagement were the order of the day as more than 80 students and their supporters met April 1 at The L.A. Trust Youth to Youth Student Health Summit online. 

Student health advocates from seven Student Advisory Boards, LAUSD Student Health and Human Services, L.A. County Department of Public Health, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Black Women for Wellness attended the conference. The event was sponsored by Cedars-Sinai, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Essential Access Health, Health Net and Joe Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration. 

The half-day learning event included entertainment, activities and six workshops on student health issues, including HPV and other STDs, substance use, daily challenges and safer sex.

Maryjane Puffer, executive director of The L.A. Trust, welcomed the participants. “I am so proud of the work you are doing. You are positive change agents — you are going down in history for improving your schools and communities.” 

The Y2Y Summit was facilitated by The L.A. Trust’s student engagement team, including Robert Renteria, Rosario Rico, Mackenzie Scott and Dannielle Griffin. “Engagement was very high, especially for a virtual event,” Renteria said. “Students came prepared to share, learn and support each other, and they returned a lot of great feedback after the event.” 

No perfect path 

Irma Rosa Viera, a CalState Northridge Student and former SAB member from Elizabeth Learning Center, previewed “Life After High School.” Viera talked about her post-high school experiences and said, “Don’t fear not knowing what your career will be – I thought I was going to be an interpreter and switched to child development counselor.” She added, “There may be downs but finding the silver lining is going to be awesome.”  

Rico said there “is no perfect path” and pointed out that there are alternatives to four-year college, including entrepreneurship, vocational training and military service, which provides funds for college. When quizzed about their career interests, students cited healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, computers, mechanics and engineering as top possibilities.  

Other breakout workshops included Know Your HPV Facts, The Highs and Lows of Substance Use, The ABCs of STDs, Daily Challenges, and Sexual Health and Safe(r) Sex.

Coping with COVID 

L.A. Unified SHHS Organization Facilitator Victor Luna led a panel discussion by the L.A. Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID Youth Advisory Board that featured Evan Bowman, junior at Archer School for Girls; Gisselle Gonzalez, Stanford University freshman; Osiris Lamon, Paraclete High School junior; and Morgan McIntosh, Marymount High School junior.  

Luna asked the youth advisors how they had been coping with COVID. Lamon, a DPH youth advisor, cited talking with friends, spending time with family and friends, and giving back. Other student quarantine recommendations included exercise, studying, painting, anime and “lots of movies.” 

Y2Y meets Y2K

Zoom backgrounds and The L.A. Trust’s in-house DJ — Program Manager Nina Nguyen — set a Millennial mood with graphics and music matching the event’s theme, “Y2Y Meets Y2K.” GrubHub coupons were sent to students so they could enjoy the event’s traditional lunch. 

A social media contest garnered nearly 100 new posts and followers on Instagram. Brayam of Jordan High won the contest and a Nintendo Switch Lite portable game console.   

Nearly 90% of attendees surveyed said attending the Summit was worth their time; 93% said they would recommend the event to a friend. Kristie Garrison, LAUSD Healthy Start Coordinator and an Adult Ally of the Carson High SAB, praised the event and its student participants. 

A Belmont High student said, “It was my first Y2Y — awesome presentations and great to see other youth leaders!” Taaliyah, a student from Washington Prep, said the Summit reached her mind and heart because it addressed mental health and relationships. Isaac from Manual Arts High School said, “I learned new things — things I can call out and use.”

Student advocates prepare at The L.A. Trust Academy

Student advocates, shown here at The L.A. Trust’s Y2Y Conference in March, discussed how to conduct peer campaigns in the new school year on August 4-7.  

Two dozen Student Advisory Board members from five Los Angeles high schools met with staff members of The L.A. Trust for its first-ever Summer Academy learning session August 4-7, 2020. 

The students learned how to conduct peer-to-peer health campaigns, discussed ways to encourage visits to L.A. Unified Wellness Centers, and gained greater knowledge of healthcare disparities. The four-day pilot event was attended by SAB members from  Crenshaw, Jordan, Locke and Washington Prep, as well as students from John Marshall High School.  

The online Academy was facilitated by four staff members from The L.A. Trust: Robert Renteria, program manager; Eddie Hu, program manager; Mackenzie Scott, student engagement program coordinator; and Dannielle Griffin, student engagement program assistant.  

Organizational facilitators from L.A. Unified Student Health and Human Services helping to inform and guide the students included Gloria E. Velasquez, Victor Luna, Rene Bell-Harbour and Maggie Yu-DiPasquale. 

Impressed  

Renteria said he was impressed by the students’ commitment to the 20-hour learning program. Scott said the students were knowledgeable (“they could have presented my learning modules”) and engaged (“the chat was blowing up like crazy.”) 

Students discussed mental health, sexual and reproductive health, substance use prevention, public health, and their own career development. Wellness Center staff logged on to brief the students on updated hours and services and how to refer peers to the clinics. 

Students took a break from their learning to share their insights with The L.A. Trust Board of Directors at their annual retreat, August 6. Maryjane Puffer and Board members thanked the students for their frank accounts of how the pandemic is affecting them and their communities. 

The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards have met since August 18, the first week of L.A. Unified’s 2020-2021 school year. Renteria said, “Thanks to the Summer Academy, we have students ready to conduct campaigns about student and community health and to help increase awareness and use of the primary, mental and oral healthcare services offered by L.A. Unified’s student and family Wellness Centers.”

Student leaders and The L.A. Trust advocate for school-based health

Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership, rallied more than 50 school-based health advocates at the CSHA’s first-ever virtual Advocacy Day. 

More than 50 school-based health advocates briefed 42 California lawmakers and their staffs August 5 during the California School-Based Health’s Alliance’s first-ever virtual Advocacy Day. 

Students from several of The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards joined staff members from The L.A. Trust, CSHA and other organizations at the legislative briefings, which focused on top policy priorities made more urgent by COVID-19. These priorities include healthcare and SBHC funding, student mental health, substance use prevention, and coordination by state departments (Education, Health Care Services and Public Health) to strengthen partnership with School-Based Health Centers. 

Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership, rallied the online advocates. Noting that California is a national leader in health insurance coverage with 97 to 98% of all kids covered, “you all know it’s not enough to be covered.” She saluted those working on the frontlines of student health and said, “we have shared goals and a shared partnership.” 

A time of reckoning 

Alvarez tied the issue of health equity to the larger issue of race. “This is a reckoning — a racial reckoning,” she said. “It is truly wiser when we listen to those marching in the streets. Going back is accepting the status quo — we can pave a better path forward for California and the nation.” 

Maryjane Puffer, executive director of The L.A. Trust, stressed the importance of school-based health and thanked all the attendees for speaking out. Puffer and six other staff members from The L.A. Trust participated in the legislative briefings. 

Lisa Eisenberg, policy director for CSHA, noted that one-third of all California legislators were reached — five lawmakers attended in person. 

“While we really wanted to host in-person advocacy visits earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented those plans,” CSHA said. “As this pandemic has disproportionately impacted people served by school-based health centers, it’s more important than ever to share challenges and experiences with policymakers as schools grapple with a changing environment.”  

There are 277 school-based health centers in California, and 274,000 California students have access to high-quality healthcare through these clinics. There are 75 school-based health centers in Los Angeles County, including 16 LAUSD Wellness Centers supported by The L.A. Trust.