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.