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."