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.