How will Medicaid cuts impact school-based healthcare?

A Manual Arts High School student visits the wellness center

Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California) is the financial backbone of school-based healthcare. Care includes physical, behavioral, and oral health services delivered by school health staff, school-based health centers (SBHCs), and community providers. As California begins phasing in federal Medi-Cal cuts, school health systems are grappling with what coverage loss and system strain will mean for student health. 

Passed in July 2025, the federal budget reconciliation bill (H.R.1) cuts almost $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over the next decade. Because Medicaid is an entitlement program, which means the government is required to cover anyone who qualifies, Congress achieved cuts by changing eligibility. Changes include making some legally present humanitarian immigrants ineligible, adding work requirements, and requiring twice-yearly eligibility redeterminations. California estimates these provisions could push more than 3 million Medi-Cal members, nearly 20%, out of the program. Additional provisions, such as limits on state financing and new restrictions on Covered California, will reduce care options and strain the state budget.  

When adults lose coverage—children suffer

While work requirements and six-month redeterminations apply only to adults over age 19, entire families will be impacted. For example, adults with children are exempt from work requirements—but if your children are over 13, they apply to you. Research shows that when parents have health coverage, children are more likely to be covered, access care, and experience greater financial stability—reducing levels of toxic stress that harm long-term health and development. Keeping adults connected to care is a children’s health issue.  

Coverage rollbacks and immigration enforcement threaten health

California is the first state to extend state-funded Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented residents of all ages, improving health outcomes for non-citizen children. Despite this progress, the enacted 2025-26 State Budget freezes new enrollment for undocumented adults and applies a $30 monthly premium. Balancing the budget on the backs of immigrant communities is a dangerous strategy.   Nearly 20% of LA County residents are undocumented or living with an undocumented family member, and 1 in 5 children under 5 has at least one undocumented parent. Restrictions on health coverage, combined with aggressive immigration enforcement, pose serious risks to family and community health.  

Coverage cliff threatens financial viabilityof school-based healthcare

These coverage losses don’t just affect individual families—they directly undermine the financial foundation of school-based healthcare. 

1 in 3 LA County residents are covered by Medi-Cal, including 60% of all children under 18. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projects that 1.1 million LA County residentscould lose coverage due to H.R.1 and the 2025–26 state budget—roughly one-third of current enrollees. This would significantly reduce the number of insured students for billing.  A 2025 national survey of 1,400 school district leaders about the impact of Medicaid cuts: 80% expect reductions and layoffs of school health staff, and 70% expect reductions in mental and behavioral health services. Community Health Centers, which support many SBHCs, face additional losses from state budget changes that could reduce clinic revenue by up to one-third. This may force already thin-margin SBHCs to close. 

For students, this may mean fewer available services, longer wait times, and reduced access to community providers. Without policy intervention, school-based healthcare and student access will suffer.  

Mobilizing to protect families from harm

These cuts follow years of investment and innovation in school health. While they threaten to slow progress, the systems and partnerships to support students remain.  

Schools continue to be a critical access point for care. Now more than ever, LA County schools must maximize Medi-Cal reimbursement. And state and local governments must act now to fill budget gaps and mitigate the coverage cliff.  

State policymakers should:

• Increase state revenue to fill gaps. The Fight for Our Health Coalition is working with the legislature to achieve this.   

• Maintain coverage for lawfully present immigrants and the state-funded population. 

• Fund and leverage Community Health Workers and Navigators to help keep people connected to care. 

LA County should:

• Explore revenue options to fill gaps, such as Measure ER. 

• Maximize resources through inter-agency integration.  

Schools and school-linked providers should:

• Implement the statewide multi-payer fee schedule that facilitates billing for school-linked behavioral health services.  

• Utilize the dyadic services benefit, which provides behavioral health services to the parent or caregiver and child together but only the child’s Medi-Cal is billed.  

To stay engaged in efforts to protect school-based healthcare, join the School Health Policy Roundtable mailing list. 

Understanding Measure ER and its impacts on school health

Due to federal Medicaid cuts and California’s coverage restrictions for undocumented adults, 1.1 million LA County residents—nearly one-third of enrollees—could lose coverage by 2028, jeopardizing the health of students, their families, and the school-based systems that support them. 

In response, the LA County Board of Supervisors has advanced Measure ER, a June ballot proposal to create a temporary sales tax to stabilize the local health safety net. The plan would allocate up to 45% of revenue to care for uninsured residents and 4% specifically for school-based health programs. 

The L.A. Trust School Health Policy Roundtable, in collaboration with the Community Clinic Association of LA County and St. John’s Community Health, invites you to a learning session to understand Measure ER and what it means for schools and communities. 

Tuesday May 12th  | 12 – 1 PM 
Register Here

From Watts to Rome: Genesis Cruz’s journey in youth advocacy, environmental justice, and global learning

Genesis Cruz during her study abroad in Italy

Genesis Cruz, a 2023 graduate of Jordan High School in Watts, South L.A., is now a student at the University of Southern California (USC). A former Wellness Youth Advocate (WYA), she has spent the past several years building a path rooted in advocacy, education, and youth empowerment. What began as a student leadership opportunity in high school has grown into a journey that now spans classrooms in Los Angeles, community work in South Central, and study abroad experiences in Rome, Italy. Her journey first took shape through her involvement as a Wellness Youth Advocate with The L.A. Trust, where she began developing her voice as a youth leader.

Starting with youth voice at The L.A. Trust

Genesis at the 2025 Y2Y Health Summit

Genesis first became involved as a Wellness Youth Advocate (WYA) after learning about the program through a friend at Jordan High School. What drew her in was not only the program itself, but the opportunity to speak up about issues affecting her community in Watts.

Even before joining, Genesis had a strong interest in health education and self-care, often encouraging her peers to prioritize wellness. But it was sexual health education, particularly in underserved communities, that became her central passion.

Growing up in a Latino household where conversations around sexual health were often avoided and viewed as taboo, she understood early on how silence could shape outcomes.

“I saw it in my family, including my own mom, with teen pregnancy and a lack of information from not having those conversations,” she explained. “I knew education needed to be part of the solution.”

A key influence during this time was her mentor, Jasmine Cisneros, an adult ally staff member with The L.A. Trust who led the WYA program. Genesis describes her leadership as collaborative and empowering.

“It didn’t feel like a hierarchy,” Genesis said. “It felt like we were building something together.”

That approach shaped how Genesis now engages with young people, centering trust, relatability, and shared experience rather than authority. That foundation with The L.A. Trust became the beginning of her long-term commitment to youth advocacy.

Early lessons in advocacy and environmental justice

Genesis handing out resources during World No Tobacco Day

While still in high school, Genesis’s advocacy expanded beyond health education into environmental justice, particularly surrounding Atlas Iron and Metal Corp., a recycling facility located next to Jordan High School. The facility was accused of exposing students to toxic metals like lead, with some measurements far above safe levels.

Growing up in Watts, she initially saw the plant as just part of the neighborhood. It wasn’t until later through school-based advocacy and conversations with community partners that she began to understand its broader environmental and health implications.

“We didn’t realize it wasn’t normal,” she said. “It was just what we grew up around.”

Through advocacy efforts involving The L.A. Trust in partnership with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and other community stakeholders, Genesis became part of youth-centered initiatives focused on environmental awareness, education, and community health.

Years of collective advocacy from students, organizers, and community members eventually led to a major milestone: Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. closed in 2025, marking a significant outcome for a community that had raised concerns for years. As someone involved in that movement, Genesis now reflects on the work with pride. “It showed me what consistency and collective voices can do,” she reflected.

From student advocate to community educator

After graduating from Jordan High School, Genesis carried her advocacy forward into college at USC, where she continues to study and engage in youth and community-focused work. At USC, she added Public Relations alongside her continued interest in health and wellness-related work, recognizing her strengths in communication, storytelling, and education.

She also gained professional experience through a marketing and communications internship with Nike, where she was drawn to collaborative, people-centered environments. “I like spaces where ideas and people come together. It didn’t feel like work,” she said. “It felt like connection, storytelling, and community.”

Advocacy beyond campus: The L.A. Trust and community work

Genesis, the student speaker at the annual Salute to Student Health Gala in 2024

Genesis’s connection to The L.A. Trust and youth advocacy didn’t end after high school, it evolved. She took a position with The L.A. Trust, leading the youth advocacy initiative funded by a fine paid by Atlas Iron and Metal Corp., the result of a lawsuit brought by DTSC. Genesis’s involvement included outreach efforts related to environmental justice concerns affecting her former school community.

When not in Rome, she also volunteers her time with Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE), a USC-affiliated volunteer program where she teaches sexual health and wellness education to middle school girls in South Los Angeles. For Genesis, the goal is simple: create the space she once needed but didn’t always have. “I didn’t have those conversations growing up,” she said. “So, I try to be that person for them.”

Much of her approach is shaped by her own experience as a student advocate with The L.A. Trust, especially her experience around the need for safe, relatable spaces for youth to speak freely. Through anonymous question boxes and open discussion, she creates space for students to ask questions about relationships, consent, and health without fear or judgment.

Studying abroad in Italy: growth beyond the classroom

Genesis at the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Through USC, Genesis was selected for a study abroad program in Rome, an experience she chose to broaden her academic and cultural perspective. She was drawn to Italy for its history, culture, and connection to language learning, but the experience quickly became deeply personal as well.

Early in her time abroad, she became seriously ill, forcing her to slow down for the first time in years. “I had to stop and take care of myself,” she said. “That was new for me, and it changed how I think about wellness.” That period marked a shift in how she understood wellness, not just as something to advocate for others, but something she needed to prioritize for herself. “I realized I had been so focused on everyone else,” she reflected, “and I hadn’t really checked in with myself.”

New perspectives on inequality, culture, and daily life

While in Italy, Genesis also volunteers at a local middle school, working with students around age 11. The experience offered a new lens to compare educational environments abroad with those she knows in South L.A. “The differences are real,” she said carefully. “It makes you think about access and opportunity in a different way.”

Living abroad also gave her a new lens on lifestyle and culture, including slower-paced living and different approaches to community and daily life compared to Los Angeles. “You start to see how different life can be outside what you know,” she reflected. “There’s less pressure to constantly consume or keep up,” she noted. “People just live.” That observation led her to reflect on habits she had normalized growing up in L.A., including fast-paced living and constant social pressure.

Full circle: From The L.A. Trust to what’s next

Even as Genesis expands her experiences globally, her foundation remains rooted in The L.A. Trust and her early work as a Wellness Youth Advocate in Watts. That early experience, she says, taught her how to speak up, lead conversations, and trust her voice, skills she continues to carry into every space she enters, from USC classrooms to international settings.

As she looks ahead, Genesis hopes to continue building a career that blends advocacy, communications, and community impact, while staying connected to Los Angeles and the communities that shaped her. “I’ve grown a lot, but I always come back to where I started,” she said. For Genesis, the message that guides her journey is simple but steady. “Never stop caring,” she said. “If something matters to you, stay with it. That’s how change happens.”

Youth voices lead the way at the 2026 Y2Y Health Summit

Over 130 students and staff at the annual Y2Y Health Summit

On April 10, The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health hosted its annual Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Health Summit at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, bringing together 130 students from 18 partner schools across Los Angeles for a day of connection, learning, and youth-led dialogue on health and wellness.

Former Wellness Youth Advocate Yolanie Cuevas

An impactful moment of the summit was a powerful keynote from former Belmont High School WYA member Yolanie Cuevas, now a student at Stanford University. Through a deeply personal reflection on growing up as the daughter of Central American immigrants, Cuevas shared how experiences with family separation, poverty, and unspoken trauma shaped her mental health and identity. She encouraged students to use their voices to challenge stigma and advocate for their communities, reminding them that “every time you start a conversation, you are pushing back on a story that was written about you without you.”

Executive Director Dr. Sarah Rodman gives the opening address

This year’s summit also marked a meaningful milestone, as newly appointed Executive Director Dr. Sarah Rodman delivered her first Y2Y opening address. She emphasized the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead. “This is not a conference about youth where adults do all the talking,” she said. “It is a space built with you and for you.”

LAUSD Chief Medical Director
Dr. Smita Malhotra

LAUSD Chief Medical Director Dr. Smita Malhotra reinforced the importance of addressing mental health with the same urgency as physical health. Sharing her own experience with untreated anxiety as a child, she encouraged students to “notice, ask, and connect” to better support one another, and reminded them that they are “experts in their experience.”

The summit featured a range of engaging workshops, including “Flipping the Script: Reaching the Students Who Never Ask for Help,” where students were encouraged to lead conversations about breaking down stigma, guided by Doctor Homie (The L.A. Trust Board Member Dr. David Lyons). In the “UCLA Career Panel,” students drove the discussion by asking questions and exploring pathways into healthcare careers, focusing on issues that could shape their futures.

A highlight of the day was the series of student-led workshops, where peers shared lived experiences and practical tools:

• Fremont High School students presented "Our Body, Our Power," explored topics such as reproductive rights, self-advocacy, HPV awareness and self-love in a safe space.

Students from Belmont High School discussing strategies for dealing with mental health

• Monroe High School students hosted the "Real Stress Solutions by Teens, for Teens,” where they focused on real and healthy ways to deal with stress. Instead of boring lectures, they shared relatable experiences, practical strategies, and simple techniques that teens can use in everyday life.

• Belmont High School students presented on " Hakuna Matata: What a Wonderful Day to Learn About Mental Health," highlighting different strategies for dealing with Mental Health.

• Santee High School students led “Slime My Way Out of Stress.” In this hands-on activity, students used slime-making and sensory play to explore the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress.

Carson High School students talked about creating and understanding healthy boundaries

• Carson High School students presented "Healthy>Toxic: Choosing Better Relationships. Love Without Losing Yourself," showed the different aspects behind having, creating, and understanding healthy boundaries and relationships.

• MaCES High School students presented “Features of Fairy Tales,” exploring healthy and unhealthy relationships through the lens of the Disney universe.

The success of this year’s summit was made possible through the support of dedicated partners, including Dr. David Lyons, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Public Health, Organization Facilitators, FCancer, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, UCLA Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, NAMI Urban Los Angeles, Tarzana Treatment Center College, Dignity Health, LAUSD’s School Enrollment, Placement & Assessment Center, Nurse-Family Partnership, Universal Community Health Center, and the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.

The L.A. Trust adds new voices to its board

Meet The L.A. Trust’s newest board members

The L.A. Trust has welcomed three new board members. Elected in January, Remí de la Rocha, MBA; Michele Rigsby Pauley, RN, MSN, CPNP, PHN; and Sharnell Blevins, BSM, MFA, bring extensive experience in healthcare, community engagement, and education to support the organization’s mission of advancing student wellness.

“Having Remí, Michele, and Sharnell join our board is an exciting step forward for The L.A. Trust,” said Sarah Rodman, Executive Director. “Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue advancing student wellness and expanding care for our communities.”

Remí de la Rocha

Remí de la Rocha is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaMed Health Network (AHN), a role he has held since the organization’s establishment in 2020. He joined the parent company, AltaMed Health Services Corporation, in 2007 to establish its first Independent Physician Association (IPA), which has since grown to serve approximately 100,000 patients across Los Angeles and Orange Counties through a network of more than 200 primary care physicians and 1,800 specialists. Under his leadership, AltaMed’s Managed Care Program expanded dramatically from 40,000 members in 2007 to nearly 390,000 by 2025. Remí also played a pivotal role in developing and launching AHN as a Restricted Knox Keene entity, guiding its growth from 50,000 members at its 2020 launch to approximately 360,000 today, with projections to exceed 500,000 by 2030. In addition to leading AHN, he serves as Vice President of Managed Care for Altura Management Services Organization, where he oversees provider oversight, credentialing, customer operations, and contracting across a network supporting more than one million members. Remí began his healthcare career at L.A. Care Health Plan, where he spent seven years helping establish its direct networks for Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, laying the foundation for his longstanding leadership in expanding access to care.

Michele Rigsby Pauley

Michele Rigsby Pauley is a seasoned health professional with more than 30 years of experience developing and leading health and wellness programs that serve diverse and underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County. She has a strong track record of designing culturally and linguistically responsive initiatives that support African American, Hispanic, AAPI, LGBTQ+, older adult, and homeless populations, while building meaningful partnerships with community organizations to expand access to care. As the inaugural Nurse Practitioner and Program Director of the COACH for Kids® Mobile Medical Program at Cedars-Sinai, she led the development and clinical operations of comprehensive outreach services for children and families, including medical, mental health, case management, nutrition, fitness, and dental care. She later served as Interim Director of Cedars-Sinai’s Community Health and Education Program, helping extend essential healthcare services to adults and seniors across underserved communities in Los Angeles County. Michele currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mobile Healthcare Association, co-founded the Los Angeles Coalition of Mobile Medical Units, and serves as an advisor to the Southern California Regional Coalition of the Mobile Healthcare Association, while also contributing her expertise to the Executive Committee of Immunize LA Families and the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging’s Advisory Council on Aging. She has received numerous honors for her leadership and service and holds nursing degrees from the University of San Francisco and the University of California, San Francisco, along with certification from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Sharnell Blevins

Sharnell Blevins is an educational equity advocate, writer, and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing opportunities for students and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Throughout her career, Sharnell has led community and youth-focused initiatives across Los Angeles County, including leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, the Golden State Minority Foundation, the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Speak UP, where she championed diversity, equity, and parent advocacy in education. She currently serves as Senior Director of Family and Community Engagement for LAUSD Board District 7, where she works closely with families, students, and community partners to ensure that all students are able to reach their potential. In addition to her community leadership, Sharnell is an accomplished playwright, author, and poet whose work has appeared in literary journals and theater productions.

With the addition of these three new members, The L.A. Trust Board of Directors now includes 17 members, further strengthening the organization’s leadership. As The L.A. Trust enters its fourth decade, the organization looks forward to working with its full board to continue advancing student wellness by strengthening the connection between health and education.

When fear follows students to school

Student receiving support at a school
Wellness Center

Across the United States, many teen students are carrying a burden that extends far beyond homework, tests, and college applications. In immigrant communities, the presence of immigration enforcement has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for students and their families. For some young people, that stress follows them directly into the classroom.

Recent reports from educators and mental health providers show that immigration raids and enforcement actions have deeply affected students’ well-being. A national survey of more than 600 public high school principals found that around 70% of schools reported students from immigrant families expressing fears about their own safety or that of their loved ones, along with increases in absenteeism and reports of bullying.

Across the district, broader societal pressures may also be reflected in enrollment trends. According to the Los Angeles Public Press, the Los Angeles Unified School District saw a 4% dip in enrollment for the 2025–26 school year, with about 16,400 fewer students enrolled than the previous year. The shift highlights how challenges facing families can affect students’ ability to attend and remain engaged in school.

For young students, the worry can be constant. Some lose interest in activities they once enjoyed because the stress consumes their attention and energy. Others take on new responsibilities at home, caring for younger siblings or helping their families navigate changes.

How stress shows up in the classroom

These concerns sometimes show up in ways both obvious and subtle:

• Students missing school because families are afraid to leave home

• Students and family members avoiding healthcare services

• Teens taking on additional responsibilities at home

• Youth withdrawing from sports, clubs, or social activities

• Increased anxiety, sleep difficulties, and trouble concentrating in class

For adolescents already navigating the pressures of growing up, this added stress can be overwhelming. When students feel unsafe or unsure about their family’s stability, their ability to focus on learning and their sense of belonging at school can be deeply affected.

How The L.A. Trust helps

WYA members creating a culture of care
on campus

School-based support systems are critical during times like these. The L.A. Trust works closely with school-based Wellness Centers and through the Wellness Youth Advocates (WYA) program, supporting students as they navigate stress and unpredictability. WYAs are student leaders who help educate and support their peers, providing a safe point of connection for students facing challenges.

“Students can’t thrive academically if they’re carrying fear and uncertainty with them every day,” said Sarah Rodman, The L.A. Trust Executive Director. “By supporting wellness centers and empowering student leaders through the WYA program, we’re helping young people feel seen, resilient, and able to focus on their future.”

In moments of community stress, whether caused by immigration enforcement, economic instability, or other crises, partnerships like these become even more important. They help students feel supported, reminding them that schools can be places of care as well as learning.

When schools and organizations invest in student wellness, they share and lighten the burden young people are carrying. Together we can give them something every teenager deserves: the chance to focus on being young, learning, and building their future.

Sources
Los Angeles Public Press
CalMatters
UCLA/IDEA

Smiles all around at The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event

Learning about teeth with a fun puppet at the Tooth Fairy event

Around 10,000 students, their family members, and community supporters gathered on Saturday, February 14, at the Dodger Stadium for LAUSD’s “Move It!” Health and Wellness Festival and 5K. As a featured component of the event, The L.A. Trust’s Tooth Fairy brought oral health providers, community partners, and plenty of smiles to the celebration.

In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event offered free dental screenings, oral health education, and giveaways for families. On the festival’s main stage, Senior Program Manager Esther Yepez alongside Senior Advisor Maryjane Puffer led the Tooth Fairy Pledge. They energized the crowd with an engaging and interactive message focused on oral health. They shared practical tips on maintaining healthy smiles and encouraged families to take advantage of the on-site free dental screenings coordinated by The L.A. Trust and provided by dedicated teams from South Central Family Health Center, Chinatown Service Center, and West Coast Dental. These partners donated their time and expertise to serve children and families and help connect them to follow up care when needed.

Fairies lead the Tooth Fairy Pledge on the main stage

The event’s impact went beyond dental screenings, with outreach and education playing a central role. “We were doing a lot of education, and there were a lot of families coming to the table,” said Esther Yepez. “It really turned into more of an educational opportunity, where we could talk to parents and kids about maintaining good oral health and answer their questions directly.”

Dental screenings in action at the festival

This year’s event continued the momentum of bringing families together in person and strengthening partnerships across the community. The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event was supported by sponsors including Big Smiles, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Delta Dental of California, DentaQuest, Health Net, L.A. Care Health Plan, LIBERTY Dental Plan, and Smile Dental Service.

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that caring for every smile strengthens the whole community. Through ongoing education, hands-on engagement, and strong partnerships, The L.A. Trust continues to bring essential oral health resources directly to the families who need them most.

A new chapter at The L.A. Trust

Julie Park, Sarah Rodman, and Maryjane Puffer speaking on a panel at The L.A. Trust leadership transition breakfast

Earlier this month, community leaders, educators, healthcare partners, donors and advocates came together over breakfast to mark a leadership transition at The L.A. Trust. Moderated by Board President Julie Park, the gathering acknowledged retiring Executive Director Maryjane Puffer and welcomed Sarah Rodman, who started as the new Executive Director last November. More than a formal introduction, the morning offered space for an open conversation about our current challenges and where the work of youth health equity goes from here.

There was a sense in the room that the moment called for both honesty and optimism. Rodman spoke about her long-standing commitment to health equity and her belief that this work is deeply connected to justice. “For me, well-being work is justice work,” Rodman reflected. “Being well in systems designed to make you unwell is an act of resistance.”

She talked about what inequity costs all of us. When young people face barriers to healthcare and mental health services, or are exposed to unsafe and unstable environments, the impact extends far beyond their own lives. It ripples outward. “When young people are systematically prevented from being healthy and well, we lose their brilliance, their creativity, and their leadership. We’re all interconnected in that way.”

Executive Director, Sarah Rodman

The conversation also turned to youth mental health, one of today’s most urgent public health challenges. Young people are growing up in a world shaped by social media pressures, political uncertainty, climate anxiety, attacks on immigrants, and the lingering effects of COVID. Rodman urged the audience to approach these realities with care and perspective.

“We have to be careful not to pathologize a very sane response to a very unstable world,” she said. “The challenge is walking the line between protecting young people and preparing them.”

Throughout the discussion, schools were repeatedly named as steady, trusted spaces. They are places students turn to for care and support even as confidence in other institutions shifts. The partnerships The L.A. Trust brings together across school districts, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations play a critical role in reinforcing that trust and building stronger support systems around students.

Rodman also shared her excitement about the organization’s Data xChange tool, which connects health and education data in ways that rarely happen across public systems. With her background as a researcher, she sees real potential in using that information to shape smarter policies and improve outcomes for young people.

Now three months into her role, Rodman described this period as one of listening closely, learning deeply, and moving forward with intention. She spoke about investing in internal systems, supporting staff well-being, and strengthening collaboration across sectors. “Our staff are incredibly talented and deeply committed,” she said. “My job is to remove roadblocks so they can soar.”

By the end of the morning, one thing felt clear. While the challenges facing young people are significant, so is the commitment to meeting them. With dedicated partners, thoughtful leadership, and a clear focus on equity, The L.A. Trust is stepping into its next chapter with purpose and momentum.

Learn more about new Executive Director, Sarah Rodman

Students leading the way on HPV awareness

Belmont High School Wellness Youth Advocates at an HPV awareness tabling event

HPV is one of the most common infections in the United States and one of the most preventable causes of several types of cancer. While most HPV infections go away on their own, some can lead to cervical, throat, and other cancers years later. The good news is we have a safe, effective vaccine that can protect young people before they’re ever exposed.

Why the HPV vaccine is so important

The HPV vaccine works best when given during adolescence, long before exposure to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination starting at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9 and up through age 26.

Research shows the vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, which are now more common among men than women. In fact, oral HPV infections are rising among males, making vaccination critical for all genders and not just females.

Christopher Ramos

As Christopher Ramos, a 12th grader at Belmont High School and Wellness Youth Advocate (WYAs), shared, “It’s important for students to know about the HPV vaccine because they can understand all that it helps prevent and why this vaccine really matters.” His words remind us that awareness is often the first step toward prevention.

Youth voices making a difference

At The L.A. Trust, our Wellness Youth Advocates are taking the lead in spreading awareness about HPV prevention. Through school-based outreach, peer education campaigns, and creative social media engagement, our WYAs are helping demystify the vaccine and empower students to take charge of their health.

Christopher explained that he often encourages his peers to get curious: “I let them know how important the HPV vaccine is, so they have the curiosity to learn more about it.” When students hear about the vaccine from someone their own age, the message feels more relatable and real.

He also hears a lot of common questions, especially about what exactly the vaccine prevents. “A question many ask is what the vaccine can prevent,” he said. “I explain that the vaccine can help prevent not only the virus but also many types of cancers.”

Their message is simple: Prevention is power. As Christopher puts it, “When we know how to prevent HPV or any other disease, we have the power to decide if we want to prevent it or not.”

Access where it matters most

The L.A. Trust partners with LAUSD Wellness Centers across the district to make preventive care, including the HPV vaccine accessible for students. These centers offer a safe, youth-friendly environment where students can receive vaccinations, health education, and holistic support from trusted providers.

Being part of the WYA program has also given students like Christopher the confidence to start these important conversations. “Being a WYA helped me gain the courage to talk about health topics that for many are really difficult to talk about,” he said. “It gave me the chance to share this information with people my age.”

Every vaccine given is one more step toward a healthier, cancer-free future for our young people.

Giving thanks for healthy futures

WYA members educating their peers on mental health strategies

As we enter the season of gratitude and giving, The L.A. Trust is reflecting on what it truly means to give back. For us, it’s about more than one day or one season, it’s about showing up for students all year long with care, compassion, and commitment.

Every day, The L.A. Trust gives back by connecting students in underserved LAUSD communities to the healthcare, education, and support they need to thrive. Through our partnerships with LAUSD Wellness Centers, we help connect students to youth-friendly services, from vaccines and mental health care to reproductive health education and wellness resources.

Garfield High School WYA members
at a tabling event

But giving back also happens in classrooms, on campuses, and among peers. Our Wellness Youth Advocates (WYAs) are a powerful example of what gratitude in action looks like. These student leaders dedicate their time and energy to promoting health awareness, organizing outreach campaigns, and supporting their peers in making informed health decisions.

Giving back is a core value for our Wellness Youth Advocates. As one member reflected: “Being part of the WYA program is my way of giving back to my school community. We’re helping each other stay healthy and informed.”

Their leadership reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s something we practice. By sharing knowledge, encouraging care, and supporting one another, our WYAs help build a culture of wellness across Los Angeles schools.

This Thanksgiving season, we’re especially grateful for our partners, Wellness Center staff, educators, and community supporters who make this work possible. Together, we’re ensuring that students have the resources they need to learn, grow, and lead healthy lives.

At The L.A. Trust giving back means empowering the next generation to take charge of their health, and in doing so, creating a brighter, healthier future for us all.

Wellness Center Toolkit helps schools support the whole child

We’re thrilled to share the launch of the Wellness Center Toolkit, a new resource designed to help schools bring health and wellness directly to students and families.

Developed by The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust) in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s (LACOE) Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC), this toolkit was created to make it easier for schools to start or expand health services right on campus.

At its core, the Wellness Center Toolkit is a how-to guide for building or growing school-based health programs, whether that means opening a wellness center, expanding behavioral health services, or partnering with local healthcare providers. It walks schools through the process step by step and includes adaptable models that can be tailored to meet each school’s unique needs. The goal is simple: to ensure students have access to the care they need—physical, mental, and emotional—so they can show up ready to learn and thrive.

The L.A. Trust took the lead in developing and writing the toolkit, drawing on its deep experience connecting schools with health partners across Los Angeles. Through our partnership with the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC, we collaborated with LACOE’s Community Schools Initiative to shape a resource that is both practical and impactful for our communities.    

The Greater Los Angeles R-TAC plays a vital role in supporting community schools throughout Los Angeles County. Community schools serve as neighborhood hubs that provide not only academics, but also social services, family engagement, and wellness supports. Through its transformational assistance efforts, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC helps these schools strengthen their integrated support systems, deepen ties with local partners, and build more equitable learning environments. Working alongside grantees of the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC provides guidance, collaboration, and resources to help schools implement the Community Schools Framework.

Together, our organizations share a vision: that every school can become a place where students’ health and learning go hand in hand. By making wellness a central part of education, schools can help break down barriers such as lack of access to healthcare or mental health support—barriers that often stand in the way of student success.

The Wellness Center Toolkit isn’t just a set of instructions, it’s an invitation. It invites schools, districts, and community partners to join in building healthier, more supportive learning environments across Los Angeles County. When schools prioritize wellness, they invest in their students’ futures and in the well-being of the entire community.

Dr. Sarah Rodman appointed New Executive Director of The L.A. Trust

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah Rodman, PhD, MPH, as its new Executive Director, effective November 5, 2025.

Dr. Rodman brings over 15 years of leadership experience in public health, research, and education, with a strong focus on advancing health equity and systems change. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Randall Lewis Center for Well-Being and Research at the University of La Verne, where she led campus-wide initiatives and oversaw a $20 million research portfolio.

“Sarah is a visionary leader who brings both strategic insight and a deep commitment to health equity,” said Julie Park, Board President of The L.A. Trust. “Her experience across research, education, and public health systems makes her uniquely suited to lead The L.A. Trust into its next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome her aboard.”

A lifelong Angeleno, Dr. Rodman has worked extensively with school systems, advocacy organizations, and public agencies to implement culturally responsive, community-centered health initiatives.

“It is an incredible honor to join The L.A. Trust at this moment,” said Dr. Rodman. “I am inspired by the organization’s legacy of student health leadership and energized by the opportunity to continue building systems that center equity, community, and care.”

Dr. Rodman succeeds Maryjane Puffer, who announced her retirement earlier this year after nearly 15 years of transformative leadership. A transition period will be supported by Ms. Puffer through the end of the current school year.

We look forward to the continued advancement of our mission under Dr. Rodman’s leadership.

Celebrating student health and those who make it possible

Founding Board Members Jan Kern, Joel Polachek, and Dr. Helen DuPlessis

On September 25, healthcare providers, educators, and civic leaders gathered at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Downtown Los Angeles for The L.A. Trust’s annual Salute to Student Health gala. The event raised awareness and funds for student health while honoring exceptional individuals — Founding Board Members Dr. Helen DuPlessis, Rick Ellingsen, Jan Kern, and Joel Polachek, along with LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. All honorees were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the health and well-being of students and communities.

Julie Park and Maryjane Puffer's opening remarks

Board President, Dr. Julie Park

In her speech, Dr. Julie Park, Board President of The L.A. Trust, celebrated the organization’s unwavering commitment to student health and equity in Los Angeles. She highlighted recent challenges, including attacks on science, diminishing public health funding, and fear among immigrant families, and reaffirmed The L.A. Trust’s mission to provide accessible care for all students regardless of background. Dr. Park praised The L.A. Trust’s impactful work through school-based Wellness Centers and data-driven advocacy, while also paying tribute to retiring Executive Director Maryjane Puffer for her transformative 15-year leadership. She closed with gratitude for supporters and a hopeful call to continue the fight for student well-being.

Executive Director Maryjane Puffer reflected on the challenges of 2025 and the resilience that has defined the organization’s journey. She honored the collective strength of staff, board members, LAUSD partners, researchers, and clinic teams who have stood united in the face of youth mental health crises, political attacks, and threats to healthcare access. Highlighting groundbreaking achievements like the Data xChange and the peer-to-peer Wellness Youth Advocates (WYA) program, Puffer emphasized how The L.A. Trust’s work is shaping a healthier, more just future for Los Angeles students. As she prepares to step down after nearly 15 transformative years, she leaves The L.A. Trust stronger than ever, confident in its leadership and unwavering mission to uplift student health through compassion, data, and community power.

Student speaker Christine De La Cruz’s powerful speech

Executive Director
Maryjane Puffer and
Christine De La Cruz

Christine De La Cruz, a recent Carson High graduate and nursing student, shared a deeply personal story during her early high school years.

Everything changed when she joined the WYA program. What started as a space to help others became the place where she learned to heal herself. The WYA program taught her to talk openly about mental health, find her voice, and support her peers.

With the help of mentors and the WYA community, Christine grew into a leader and found her true calling in nursing, driven by her own lived experience. She ended with a message of gratitude, saying: “Because of WYA, I didn’t just survive high school—I found my purpose.”

LAUSD leaders stand for student wellness

LAUSD Superintendent
Alberto Carvalho

This portion of the event began with a video message from LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, this year’s Champion Honoree. In his message he expressed deep gratitude for being recognized at the Salute to Student Health and praised The L.A. Trust for its unwavering partnership in advancing student and family wellness. He emphasized the urgency of supporting immigrant and marginalized communities amid renewed threats to their safety and well-being.

Carvalho reaffirmed the district’s commitment to making schools safe havens for all students. He highlighted key collaborations with The L.A. Trust, including peer-to-peer health education, expanded prevention initiatives, and student and family Wellness Centers offering medical, dental, and mental health services. He also underscored the power of data to better identify needs and deliver meaningful, student-centered support. His message closed with a strong call to keep health and education deeply connected, so every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Following the video, Dr. Smita Malhotra, LAUSD’s Chief Medical Officer, accepted the recognition on behalf of the superintendent and shared her personal perspective as a first-generation immigrant. She spoke about the fear and uncertainty many families face navigating systems not built with them in mind and stressed that health should meet students where they are: in schools.

She praised The L.A. Trust for helping create school environments that provide not just learning, but safety, belonging, and wellness. Dr. Malhotra closed by affirming that investing in whole-child health is not just supportive of students, it’s a transformation of Los Angeles’s future.

Reflecting on The L.A. Trust’s founding vision

Executive Director Maryjane Puffer and Jan Kern

In a lively Q&A session, Executive Director Maryjane Puffer engaged with The L.A. Trust’s Visionary Honorees, founding board members who shared personal stories about the organization’s origins. Jan Kern recalled her early work in adolescent health and teen pregnancy, and how a partnership with John DiCecco, a former LAUSD director and social worker who helped found The L.A. Trust and later hired Puffer, helped shape the initial structure and mission of The L.A. Trust. Joel Polachek expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated colleagues and gave special thanks to Maryjane Puffer, recognizing her as the embodiment of The L.A. Trust’s mission.

Board members reflected on the early days of building the organization from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of creating a dedicated board, establishing actionable goals, and securing funding. Dr. Helen DuPlessis, the former LAUSD medical director, spoke about revitalizing the dormant nonprofit to expand school-based health centers and the need to integrate physical, behavioral, and social health services into comprehensive Wellness Centers. The conversation highlighted the collaborative spirit and foundational work that transformed The L.A. Trust into a vital force for student health and wellness across Los Angeles.

Bidding for good

Attendees bidding for good

The evening also featured a chance drawing and an exciting live auction, with prizes including trips to Mexico, the Grand Canyon, and more. Generous “Fund-a-Need” pledges helped raise thousands of dollars in support of The L.A. Trust’s student engagement programs.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our honorees, attendees, and auction bidders, we surpassed our $125,000 fundraising goal. Much of this year’s success was made possible by our four Visionary honorees—Jan Kern, Rick Ellingsen, Dr. Helen DuPlessis, and Joel Polachek—whose generous contributions, along with the support of their friends, family, colleagues, and extended networks, played a pivotal role in the evening’s impact.

We also extend deep gratitude to our event sponsors for making this celebration possible:

Gold Sponsors:

• Dr. Helen DuPlessis

• Jan Kern

• Joel Polachek

• Rick Ellingsen

Silver Sponsors:

·       Anthem Blue Cross

·       Anton Consulting, Inc.

·       Health Net

·       Kaiser Permanente

·       Kautz Family Foundation

·       Smile America Partners, Big Smiles

Bronze Sponsors:

·       AltaMed

·       Blue Shield of CA Promise Health Plan

·       Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP

·       DentaQuest

·       HMA

·       John and Debbie Edelston

·       L.A. Care

·       St. John’s Community Health

·       To Help Everyone (T.H.E.)

·       UMMA Community Clinic

With your support, we move forward empowered to expand student-centered health programs and ensure that every young person in Los Angeles has access to care, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive.

Bright Spots in school wellness

A student at Elizabeth Learning Center

The L.A. Trust’s School Health Policy Roundtable brings together education and health leaders across L.A. County to advance policies that integrate student health into everyday school life. As part of this effort, the Roundtable has launched the Bright Spots Project, a multi-year initiative to highlight schools that are embedding health as a core component of student success. By documenting and sharing these examples, the project aims to inspire systems change and spread promising practices across the region.

We’re sharing case studies that highlight two big levers for lasting impact: School Health Workforce Development and Sustainable School Health Finance. 

These aren’t just great ideas, they’re real examples of what’s already working. And we hope they’ll spark more action across our region. 

Want to receive a presentation on one or more case studies? Contact Gabby Tilley  Or Nekhoe Hogan.  

Meet the Bright Spots 

Lynwood Unified School District: Whole-child wellness through community schools 

Through a strong commitment to community schools, Lynwood developed systems to align resources and sustain support for the whole child. Its Health Collaborative, now 40+ partners strong, coordinates school-based services across the district. With wellness embedded in their LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan), Lynwood is leveraging partnership power to meet student needs and achieve lasting impact. 
Read the case study

Helpline Youth Counseling: Embedding Certified Wellness Coaches 

HYC embedded culturally responsive, certified wellness coaches into school-based Dream Centers, offering safe, healing spaces for students while building toward sustainable billing and shared staffing models with schools. 
Read the case study

Monrovia Unified School District: Turns security staff into billable behavioral health providers 

Monrovia is training classified staff (positions that don’t require certification), starting with campus security guards, as Community Health Workers who can bill Medi-Cal for the behavioral health support they already provide to students. It’s a bold strategy to strengthen student wellness and the workforce. 
Read the case study

Green Dot Public Schools + Children’s Institute: A deep partnership model for sustainable school wellness 

Children’s Institute isn’t just a service provider, it’s embedded in Green Dot’s community school model. Together, they’re aligning grant funding, wellness roles, and shared priorities to make mental health services sustainable and deeply integrated. 
Read the case study

By sharing your story, you not only shine a light on the incredible work happening at your school, but you also help build a stronger, healthier future for students across L.A. County. Your bright spot could be the spark that inspires the next big breakthrough in school health integration. Let’s learn from each other, lift up what’s working, and move the field forward, together.

Back to school with purpose

Santee High School Wellness Youth Advocates

As students across Los Angeles return to school, the excitement of a new academic year brings with it a renewed sense of hope and an opportunity to address the real challenges facing many youths and their families. At The L.A. Trust, we’re not just welcoming students back to the classroom, we’re standing beside them, ready to support their wellness, resilience, and success.

For some communities, the back-to-school season brings added stress. Families impacted by increased immigration enforcement often face deep uncertainty, and for many students, that anxiety doesn’t stop at the school gate. These young people may carry fears that go far beyond academics, concerns that can weigh heavily on their ability to focus, thrive, and fully engage in learning.

The effects of the pandemic are still being felt, especially in academic recovery. Gaps in subjects like math and writing remain, and students, particularly in underserved communities, are working hard to regain confidence and catch up. Meanwhile, the digital age presents its own set of challenges, with smartphones and social media often within reach, students are constantly navigating a world of distractions that can impact their mental health, sleep, and overall well-being.

Enter: The Wellness Youth Advocates

That’s where our Wellness Youth Advocates (WYAs) come in. These remarkable student leaders are not just responding to these challenges, they are transforming them into opportunities for growth, support, and connection.

Trained in leadership, advocacy, social-emotional learning, and health education, WYAs are leading campus-wide wellness campaigns and creating a culture of care. In the 2023–2024 school year, 104 students served as WYAs, reaching over 20,000 of their peers with powerful messages of hope, health, and resilience. We hope to reach many more this school year through an evolving partnership with LAUSD’s Wellness Programs, including new sites supported by LAUSD’s Healthy Start initiative, a refreshed model launching this school year that brings a more integrated, community-driven approach to student wellness.

In addition to leading outreach efforts, WYAs actively mentor and train their fellow students, a process that sharpens their own leadership skills while building peer-to-peer trust and credibility. Their campaigns have tackled key issues like behavioral health, substance use, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health, including creative responses to high HPV rates, through social media, myth-busting skits, and school-wide announcements.

“WYAs are changing the narrative on school campuses,” says Patricia Salmeron, Associate Director of Wellness Programs at The L.A. Trust. “They show us what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead with empathy, with courage, and with a deep understanding of what their peers are going through.”

WYAs are also working on campuses to:

• Create safe spaces for peers to discuss fears about immigration enforcement, mental health, and home stressors.

• Encourage digital wellness, leading campaigns on healthy tech use and the mental effects of overexposure to screens.

• Foster peer support networks that emphasize compassion, advocacy, and self-care.

These young leaders are proof that students are not only affected by challenges, but they are also capable of leading solutions.

This school year our message is clear: no student should feel like they’re navigating these challenges alone. The L.A. Trust and our network of Wellness Youth Advocates are here to uplift, empower, and walk beside students every step of the way.

WYA leaders take the next step

WYA members celebrate their impact and reflect on their journey

As the 2024–2025 school year wrapped up, The L.A. Trust proudly celebrated the graduation of our incredible Wellness Youth Advocates (WYA), students who served as peer leaders and passionate health champions throughout their high school journey. Among them were Yolanie Cuevas from Belmont High School, Jesse Herrera from Santee High School, and Christine De La Cruz from Carson High School, three standout seniors who reflected on their WYA experiences and shared what lies ahead.

Yolanie Cuevas: Carrying the dream forward

Yolanie graduated from Belmont High School and will be attending Stanford University this fall, the first in her family to pursue higher education. “I’m both nervous and excited to discover a world I’ve never known,” she said. “Growing up, I witnessed what life can look like without a college degree. Every sacrifice my mom made has led to this moment. Her dream became my purpose.”

Yolanie Cuevas with LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and School Board President, Scott Schmerlson

At Belmont, WYA offered Yolanie an outlet to lead and engage in meaningful advocacy. “At a school where there’s no pride, barely any clubs, and limited education around teen health, WYA was my way to get involved and make a difference,” she explained. From organizing tabling events to leading activities during Kindness Week, she found purpose in creating small but impactful moments of connection with her peers.

One memory she’ll carry with her was watching students step out of their comfort zones during a kindness activity. “It wasn’t just participation, it was courage,” she said. “Even small actions can spark real change.”

Yolanie, who dreams of becoming a congresswoman, hopes to continue advocating for health equity and reform. “I want to go beyond raising awareness. I want to be part of the solution,” she shared. She also credited her adult ally, Esther Yepez, for modeling compassionate leadership. “Her constant support reminded me that kindness and leadership go hand in hand.”

Jesse Herrera: From robots to resilience

Jesse Herrera

Jesse, now a graduate of Santee High School, is headed to California State University, Los Angeles, where he will major in computer science. With a lifelong fascination with robotics, Jesse hopes to one day contribute to innovations that shape the future. “Robots are the future, and I want to be part of that,” he said.

His time as a WYA also played a key role in shaping his growth and confidence. “WYA helped me be more out there and meet new people,” Jesse said. “I learned more about my mind and body than I ever did in class.”

He especially enjoyed field trips, like those to Trade Tech, where he met students from other schools and explored career possibilities. Reflecting on his time with WYA, Jesse acknowledged his early hesitation to speak up during meetings and wished he had stepped out of his shell sooner. “I regret all the times I stayed quiet,” he admitted. “But I’ve learned from it.”

Looking ahead, Jesse also hopes to support his local church by helping expand its presence on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. “My church is small but so caring. I just want what’s best for them.”

Christine De La Cruz: Leading with heart from Carson High

Christine, a graduate of Carson High School, is preparing to attend El Camino College to study pre-nursing, with plans to become a registered nurse. She also hopes to find a job that complements her career goals. “I want to be able to take care of my family and provide for my parents so they don’t have to work anymore,” she shared. “Helping others, whether physically or emotionally, is something I love.”

Christine De La Cruz

WYA became a safe space for Christine in a school environment where conversations about wellness were often dismissed. “Many students think it’s cringe or weird to talk about mental health, or they just don’t know much about it. But WYA changed that for me,” she said. “It helped me be more considerate and focus on the good. It shaped how I treat myself and others.”

With the support of her group and adult ally, Christine found community and a deeper understanding of topics like mental health and substance abuse. “I’ve become more patient, more understanding. It’s made me want to do more for my community,” she reflected. “WYA opened my world, from meetings and field trips to connecting with students from other schools. I’ll always be grateful for it.”

Christine dreams of a future filled with joy and purpose. “My hope is to just be happy, have kids one day, and give them a beautiful life,” she said. “I want to continue caring for others, starting with my family and extending to anyone who needs support.”

As they step into this next chapter, Yolanie, Jesse, and Christine leave behind a legacy of leadership, empathy, and advocacy. Their contributions to WYA and their school communities have made a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. Their voices may no longer echo through high school hallways, but their passion for wellness and change will continue to shape the future.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Wellness Youth Advocates; we’re proud of you!

Connecting for student health and wellness

Wellness Network convening brings partners together for student well-being

This month, The L.A. Trust convened the Wellness Network Learning Collaborative at the California Endowment in Downtown Los Angeles. The event brought together more than 100 engaged administrators, healthcare providers, and student wellness advocates. This semi-annual gathering provided a dynamic space for reconnecting, sharing insights, and exchanging best practices, all focused on advancing student health and wellness across L.A. Unified.

Dr. Ron Tanimura, Director of Student Medical Services at L.A. Unified, shared important updates on the district’s Student Medical Services and Medi-Cal Programs. He also introduced The L.A. Trust’s latest Data xChange Impact Report for School-Based Health Centers, featuring 2023–2024 data on patient visits, services delivered, demographics, and other key metrics. The report offered a comprehensive look at emerging health trends across school-based clinics, using aggregated data to highlight patterns, challenges, and opportunities. It underscored the importance of leveraging data to inform targeted strategies and improve outcomes for students and families. Dr. Tanimura noted that the full report will be publicly available later this summer, allowing schools, partners, and community stakeholders to access and apply its findings. He concluded by reaffirming the power of collaboration in advancing student and community wellness.

Attendee joins “Awareness to Solutions” interactive activity

As part of the presentation, attendees participated in an interactive activity titled "Awareness to Solutions," designed to foster reflection, dialogue, and action. Participants were encouraged to look carefully at the data and consider what stood out to them, how these trends manifest in their school sites or roles, and to generate practical ideas for improvement. The activity included prompts to identify key collaborators, reflect on whose voices might be missing from the data, and craft personal commitments to student wellness.

In a separate portion of the event, speakers introduced two tools aimed at strengthening school-based health efforts. The SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) environmental scan was highlighted as a method to assess current practices and guide future strategies to support student health and wellbeing. Additionally, a presentation on the School Integration Tool provided insights on how schools can better align health services with educational goals to more effectively embed wellness supports into the school environment.

Justin Cole shares student support system overview

Justin Cole from the Homeless Education Office (HEO) and Student Support and Attendance Services offered an overview of the support systems available for students experiencing homelessness. He outlined how students are quickly connected to resources, often within 24 to 48 hours, including backpacks, school supplies, shoes, hygiene kits, and transportation. Eligible students may also qualify for the AB 1806 graduation exemption if they transfer schools after their sophomore year. Cole emphasized the importance of completing a Student Housing Questionnaire for each child in a family to ensure access to services. He also described transportation options such as TAP cards, school bus coordination, and special programs like “House to School of Origin” for foster youth. Additionally, Cole highlighted HEO’s seasonal and year-round initiatives, including Operation School Bell, Sponsor-a-Family, the Assistance League’s Futures Unlimited tuxedo event at JCPenney, and the Sponsor a Graduate scholarship program, all designed to provide meaningful experiences, recognition, and support to students in need. He concluded by encouraging school staff to stay connected through HEO’s Schoology page and office hours, and provided contact information for regional Title I counselors and coordinators.

The Wellness Network Learning Collaborative once again proved to be an inspiring gathering for administrators, clinicians, and student health advocates. With a comprehensive focus on student health, the event energized participants and reinforced their commitment to advancing wellness in schools. We look forward to continuing this important work and reconnecting at the next Wellness Network Learning Collaborative.

The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event returns with smiles, screenings, and celebration

Maryjane Puffer leading the Tooth Fairy Pledge with assistant fairies Esther Yepez and Lola Park

More than 3,500 students, families, and community members gathered on Saturday, May 10, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for LAUSD’s “Move It!” Health and Wellness Festival and 5K. As a featured component of the event, The L.A. Trust’s Tooth Fairy initiative brought oral health providers, community partners, and plenty of smiles to the celebration.

The L.A. Trust’s Tooth Fairy Event offered free dental screenings, education, and giveaways in celebration of National Dental Care Month. On the Health and Wellness Festival main stage, Executive Director Maryjane Puffer, L.A.’s unofficial Tooth Fairy, led the Tooth Fairy Pledge, joined by assistant fairies Senior Program Manager Esther Yepez and Lola Park, daughter of The L.A. Trust Board President.

“Despite the heat, the energy was incredible,” said Esther Yepez. “Families showed up, partners stepped up, and together we delivered essential dental screenings and shared vital oral health information with the community. It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”

A high school student receiving a free dental screening

This year’s event was especially meaningful, marking the first Tooth Fairy Event since 2020, when it was last held before being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a four-year hiatus, the return of the event signaled more than just a celebration; it represented a renewed commitment to community health and connection. Being back in person allowed families to once again access vital oral health resources in a festive, family-friendly setting, a reminder of the importance of caring for the whole child, starting with a healthy smile.

Festivalgoers took advantage of free dental screenings coordinated by The L.A. Trust and delivered by dedicated providers from South Central Family Health Center, Smile Dental Services, and USC Neighborhood Dental. These partners generously donated their time and expertise to ensure that hundreds of children received preventive care and were connected to follow-up services as needed. Additional health services, such as blood pressure testing, were offered by UCLA.

The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event was proudly supported by sponsors including DentaQuest, Big Smiles Dental, Delta Dental, LIBERTY Dental Plan, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Health Net, and Center for Oral Health. Additional sponsors included California Credit Union, Terri Keville, Patterson Dental Company, and First Citizens Bank.

Tooth Fairy Lola Park

The day also featured a special reading of Otter the Potter for children, led by The L.A. Trust team. After the 5K run-walk, attendees joined a high-energy Zumba session and explored fitness and nutrition activities throughout the venue. LAUSD provided free meals for children, with healthy snacks available for all. Families also enjoyed live entertainment, heartfelt Mother’s Day tributes, and booths celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. College Signing Day exhibits hosted by UC and California State University campuses as well as private schools inspired future graduates and highlighted academic opportunity.

As the event concluded, one message rang clear: oral health is community health. With renewed energy and growing partnerships, The L.A. Trust remains committed to bringing vital care directly to the families who need it most, one smile at a time.

SPONSORS

Strengthening school-based health across California

Providers, educators, and advocates
from across California

School-based health providers, educators, and advocates from across California gathered on April 28–29 for the 2025 Statewide School Health Conference, The Power of Partnerships. Hosted by the California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA), the two-day event took place at the Hyatt Regency in Orange County and brought together a vibrant community dedicated to advancing health and education equity for California’s children and youth.

School-based health centers and wellness centers play a vital role in supporting students by increasing access to care where they learn. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for practitioners, educators, and advocates to come together, share strategies, and learn how to better support student well-being through school-centered health initiatives.

Senior Data and Research Analyst, Alex Zepeda

The event featured more than 30 engaging workshops on topics such as Instituting & Elevating Best Practices in School-Based Health, Adolescent Cannabis, Tobacco, & the Triangulum, and Skill Building for Effecting Change with Youth. Inspirational keynote speakers, breakout sessions on emerging school health trends, and ample networking opportunities created a dynamic space for professional growth and collaboration. After a full day of learning, participants enjoyed a fun-filled evening of bowling and games at Bowlero, courtesy of CSHA.

The L.A. Trust’s Senior Data and Research Analyst, Alex Zepeda, presented on Monday during the Instituting & Elevating Best Practices in School-Based Health workshop. She shared how The L.A. Trust identifies and spreads effective practices through the Data xChange, a database that offers insights into the connections between school-based health centers and student academic outcomes.

Esther Yepez, presenting at the conference

Esther Yepez, our Oral Health Senior Program Manager, took the stage at the Adolescent Cannabis, Tobacco, & the Triangulum: Current Trends, Resources, and Implementation workshop. Her presentation focused on implementing evidence-based curricula developed by Stanford’s REACH Lab, emphasizing how students are empowered to educate their peers through lunchtime table events and social media outreach.

Saun-Toy Trotter, LMFT, Clinical Director of School-Based Behavioral Health at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the importance of school-based partnerships in advancing equity and shared her commitment to evidence-based and culturally rooted practices that foster student well-being and liberation.

To close out the conference, Dr. Rose Anne Bomentre led participants in a joyful session filled with movement, laughter, and connection, leaving everyone energized and inspired by the shared commitment to student health.

The Power of Partnerships truly offered something for everyone passionate about delivering equitable, high-quality health care to students and families across California, regardless of income or background. Attendees found a conference that fostered a sense of unity, purpose, and renewed energy, whether they were new to school-based health or seasoned professionals. As the conference came to a close, participants left with actionable tools, new connections, and a shared vision for building healthier, more resilient school communities through the power of partnerships.

An inside look at school-based wellness in action

A panel featuring local health leaders and educators

This past April, The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust), in partnership with the Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC), welcomed a group of 30 educational leaders from L.A. County Community Schools for its second tour in the wellness center series, Navigating Community Health: A Collaborative Tour.

The attendees had the opportunity to explore the T.H.E. (To Help Everyone) Lennox Health Center. By showcasing the collaboration between a school and local health center, the tour aimed to inspire attendees and encourage them to consider implementing similar resources at their school sites. The day’s activities included guided tours of the facility, a panel featuring local health leaders and educators and thoughtful conversations around building stronger, more effective partnerships to uplift student and family well-being.

Participants took part in the
Wellness Wisdom Swap

This tour was one of several professional learning opportunities offered by the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC during the 2024–25 academic year. Through its transformational assistance efforts, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC helps regional community schools deepen their integrated support systems and strengthen ties with local partners. Led by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC aims to transform educational practices and reduce disparities at community schools across Los Angeles County by partnering, guiding and co-learning with grantees of the California Community Schools Partnership Program to leverage the Community Schools Framework. 

Community schools as hubs of hope and healing

At their core, community schools act as central hubs that bring together education and vital support services under one roof. Through strong partnerships with local nonprofits, public agencies and businesses, community schools provide students and families with access to healthcare, mental health support, enrichment programs and more. By tackling challenges such as poverty, unstable housing and limited access to care, community schools focus on supporting the whole child, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in a stable, nurturing environment.

A patient’s perspective

A powerful moment during the day came from Shayla Woodard, who offered heartfelt insights as both a parent and a patient. She spoke candidly about her experiences navigating the healthcare system and shared thoughtful suggestions for how the T.H.E. Lennox Health Center could become more approachable and accessible for families in nearby schools and neighborhoods.

Shayla also emphasized the importance of collaboration between schools and health centers, highlighting how stronger coordination can ease the burden on families seeking both educational and health-related support. Her perspective underscored the need for systems that are not only effective, but also compassionate and family centered.

Panel speakers included:

• Rosa Fernandez – T.H.E. Site Manager

• Becki Blanco – Assistant Superintendent

• Desiree Garcia – Community Schools Coordinator

• Alejandro Quinones Baltazar – Medical Student at UCLA

• Melissa Venegas – Medical Student at UCLA

• Emily Cummins Polk – Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator

• Shayla Woodard – T.H.E. Patient

Interactive learning: Wellness Wisdom Swap

After the panel, participants took part in the Wellness Wisdom Swap, a dynamic breakout session designed to spark dialogue and idea-sharing. Participants rotated through three  focused small-group discussions led by panelists, covering key areas such as:

• School-Based Health and Student Support

• Healthcare Provider Establishment

• Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Resource Coordination and Access

• School-Based Mental Health Support

• Student Health Services Establishment

This interactive format created space for grantees to ask questions, exchange experiences and explore practical steps they could take to implement similar programs at their own schools. It also supported the tour’s objective of fostering collaboration and surfacing innovative approaches to student and community wellness.

A look at school-based health centers

Guided tour of the
Lennox Health Center

The day concluded with guided walkthroughs of the T.H.E. Lennox Health Center, giving grantees the chance to observe the clinic’s operations and ask questions during a Q&A with staff. This portion of the tour showcased the Health Center’s role in promoting student and community health firsthand. Witnessing its impact in real time reinforced the importance of accessible, school-connected healthcare and the potential for replicating this model to strengthen wellness infrastructure across Los Angeles County.

The need for dental screenings in high schools and middle schools is urgent

Jefferson High School students receiving an oral health education before their dental screening

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet high school and middle school students in Los Angeles often lack access to dental screenings. While many elementary school students receive these essential checkups through structured programs, older students are left without the same level of care. This gap in services can have serious consequences, as untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and difficulty concentrating in school.

Some high schools have the advantage of having Wellness Centers on campus, yet not all of them offer dental services. This makes dental screenings even more urgent. For schools with a dental space, the priority must be informing students about the services available and encouraging them to seek care. For those without dental services, expanding screenings and forging partnerships is critical to ensuring students receive the care they need.

A student receiving a dental screening at the Wellness Center

The recent dental screening event at Jefferson High School on March 20 was a testament to this urgent need. Conducted at the school's Wellness Center by South Central Family Health Center, the event was supported by The L.A. Trust, which provided oral health education to students before the screenings. Approximately 50 students were examined; 10 of them were identified as having Level 3 (urgent) issues requiring immediate dental intervention. This number highlights the severity of the issue and the pressing need for expanded dental screenings in high schools and middle schools.

The L.A. Trust’s Oral Health Initiative has been working to address this gap since 2012, forging partnerships with providers to bring free oral health education, screenings, and referrals to children who lack dental care. Before screenings take place, The L.A. Trust’s oral health team provides engaging oral health education and videos to students to prepare them for their screening and arm them with knowledge they can take home and put into practice. Additionally, our Wellness Youth Advocates play a critical role in peer-to-peer education on campus, encouraging their fellow students to visit the Wellness Center and take advantage of available dental services. By fostering awareness and education, we aim to empower students to prioritize their oral health and seek necessary care.

There is an urgent need to expand dental screenings across LAUSD’s high schools and middle schools. School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), including Wellness Centers that have dental services are well positioned to lead this effort. While not all SBHCs currently offer dental care, expanding these services to more campuses would be a vital step toward improving student health.