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Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in student health, education, and our organization's updates and events.
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
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.
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.
Student voices drive change at Y2Y Health Summit
Over 100 students and staff at the annual Y2Y Health Summit
On April 4, The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health hosted the annual Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Health Summit at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. This dynamic event provided an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to come together, share their experiences, and empower one another in their personal and community health journeys.
Patricia Salmeron, Associate Director of Wellness Programs
As Patricia Salmeron, Associate Director of Wellness Programs at The L.A. Trust, reflected, “The summit brings us together to spark change. It’s about students owning their wellness journey, speaking up, and creating the conversations that can lead to positive, lasting change in their communities.”
The summit featured an array of engaging workshops, including “Rooted in Wellness: Creating Your Best Self,” where students learned about developing healthy habits to improve their well-being. In “Culture and Belonging,” students explored how cultural identity and belonging contribute to mental and physical health. Other sessions addressed the role of data in health advocacy through “Using Data for Learning and Action,” as well as the importance of advancing health equity. This year, 122 students from 18 partner schools participated in the event, which included several impactful sessions. Among them were six dynamic student-led workshops that brought peer perspectives and lived experiences to the forefront:
Garfield High School students discussing health disparities between different regions
• Garfield High School students presented "Comparing Health Disparities: East LA vs. Beverly Hills," explored how conditions in East LA impacts health compared to conditions in Beverly Hills through student stories and local data.
• Monroe High School students hosted the "Resistance Over Reliance: Managing Stress Without Addiction,” where they shared healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety without turning to substances.
Students from Monroe High School discussing coping strategies without turning to substance use
• Belmont High School students presented on "Social Media & Teen Mental Health," highlighting how excessive social media use can harm mental health and safety and emphasizing the importance of healthy online habits.
• Jefferson High School's presentation on "Tobacco/Vape and Drugs" aimed to educate students about the real dangers of using tobacco, vaping products, and cannabis.
• ELC High School students led "Breaking the Silence Short Film," an engaging screening focused on coping mechanisms to help students navigate stress and emotional challenges.
Carson High School Students discuss the prevalent types of bullying
• Carson High School students presented "Was it Mean or Am I Just Sensitive," breaking down the differences between joking and bullying to promote empathy and respectful communication.
Luiz Argueta, a student of Santee High School
Luiz Argueta, a student from Santee High School, delivered an inspiring spoken word performance at the start of the Y2Y event, sharing how his involvement in the Wellness Youth Advocates (WYA) program has profoundly impacted his life. Luiz discussed how the program helped him move beyond surface-level information about substance use, mental health, and sex education to a deeper, science-based understanding. He emphasized the importance of mental health, learning to recognize signs of stress and anxiety, and how seeking help is a sign of strength. Luiz also highlighted the program's focus on healthy relationships and making informed choices about one’s body and future. Through his journey with WYA, he gained confidence, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility to share these lessons with others, becoming a passionate advocate for wellness and education.
Genesis Cruz, former WYA at Jordan High School
Genesis Cruz, a sophomore at the University of Southern California and former student at Jordan High School, delivered a passionate keynote at the Y2Y event. Reflecting on her upbringing in Watts, she shared how the lack of discussions around sexual health in her community, especially within the Latino culture, led her to join the Wellness Chasers to educate herself and others. Genesis discussed the systemic health disparities she noticed between communities, particularly regarding environmental justice and access to resources. Her experience led her to advocate for her community and push for greater equity. She inspired the audience with a powerful reminder: “Whatever you believe, you can achieve. Set high standards for yourself. Be ambitious. Be curious. Be bold. And if someone ever tells you that you’re ‘too much,’ you tell them to go find less.” Genesis’s speech called on youth to keep showing up, asking tough questions, and building a future where all communities can thrive.
Students meeting other WYAs in different high schools and exchanging ideas
The Y2Y Health Summit is designed to guide students in prioritizing their overall wellness. It helps students recognize that health goes beyond just physical well-being-- it encompasses mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. In a time when mental health struggles are increasingly common among young people, this holistic approach is more relevant than ever. By focusing on nurturing all parts of a student’s well-being, the summit underscores The L.A. Trust’s commitment to promoting balanced, healthy living.
The success of this year’s Y2Y was made possible through the collaboration and support of our incredible partners. Organizations and individuals like Dr. David Lyons, Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles County Public Health, Federally Qualified Health Centers, LAUSD Organization Facilitators, FCancer, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, UCLA, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, and Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health, all played an invaluable role in offering resources and assistance, helping to ensure a successful and enriching experience for all students involved.
Celebrating leadership and raising awareness at Salute to Student Health gala
Maryjane Puffer, John Baackes, and Dr. Alex Li at Salute to Student Health gala
On September 19, healthcare providers, educators, and civic leaders gathered at Redbird Garden 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 Dr. Jayanth Kumar with The L.A. Trust Champion Award and John Baackes with The L.A. Trust Visionary Award. Both honorees were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the health and well-being of students and communities.
Brandon Burriss and Maryjane Puffer's Opening Remarks
Brandon Burriss, Board President
Brandon Burriss, Board President of The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health, praised the dedication of the organization’s board and staff. He addressed the challenges facing today’s students, from mental health issues to misinformation, emphasizing the crucial role of wellness centers. “Students need people they can count on, places where their questions are answered confidentially and truthfully. This is what The L.A. Trust is about,” Burriss stated, before introducing Executive Director Maryjane Puffer.
Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director
Maryjane Puffer celebrated The L.A. Trust’s growth, highlighting new initiatives like technical assistance for community schools and teacher training in peer-to-peer programs. She shared successes, including the Student Advisory Board program reaching over 10,000 students, a nearly seven-fold increase in dental screenings for kindergarteners, and expanded efforts in youth mental health. “Our work continues to be driven by a singular passion to improve the health and well-being of students throughout Los Angeles,” Puffer remarked.
Genesis Cruz, former Student Advisory Board member
Student Speaker Genesis Cruz
In her speech, Genesis Cruz, a sophomore at USC and a Jordan High School graduate, reflected on how her time with The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Board (SAB) fueled her passion for advocacy and influenced her decision to pursue a career in law. She emphasized the importance of educating her peers on sexual and reproductive health and highlighted the reopening of the Jordan High School Wellness Center as a vital resource for the community. “Through the SAB, I learned the significance of community advocacy and how making our voices heard can drive meaningful change,” Cruz noted.
Championing Equity in Children's Oral Health
Dr. Maritza Cabezas introduced Dr. Jayanth Kumar for the Champion Award, detailing his impressive educational journey from Bangalore University to Johns Hopkins. She noted his significant contributions to public health, including research on tooth discoloration in Native Americans and the development of New York's first comprehensive oral health plan. Dr. Cabezas praised Dr. Kumar's leadership in California as State Dental Director, where he implemented innovative strategies to reduce health disparities. She acknowledged his retirement to spend time with his granddaughter in Maryland while celebrating his lasting impact on community health.
Dr. Jayanth Kumar accepting the Champion Award
Dr. Jayanth Kumar accepted the Los Angeles Trust's Champion Award via video, expressing gratitude and emphasizing the need for equitable oral health outcomes. Reflecting on his public health dentistry career, he acknowledged the progress made in California's dental programs while highlighting ongoing disparities in children's oral health. He remarked, “Despite significant progress, tooth decay remains a chronic disease among children, and disparities in oral health continue to be a pressing concern.” Dr. Kumar concluded by hoping that his recognition would inspire others in the field.
John Baackes in his acceptance speech
A Visionary Message from John Baackes
Dr. Alex Li introduced John Baackes for the Visionary Award, commending his leadership as CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, one of the largest public health plans in the country. Dr. Li highlighted Baackes' unique transition from the East Coast to California, emphasizing his youthful energy and commitment to addressing health disparities among low-income individuals, particularly youth. He praised Baackes for his hands-on approach during the pandemic, including daily emails to staff to boost morale, and his proactive support for critical programs like the Student Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Li expressed gratitude for Baackes' impactful work in Los Angeles and his dedication to improving community health, noting the legacy he leaves as he prepares for retirement.
In his acceptance speech, John Baackes delivered a powerful message, recognizing the long-standing partnership between L.A. Care and The L.A. Trust and their shared dedication to addressing healthcare inequities for vulnerable populations. He emphasized the critical role that community organizations play in fostering resilience, especially during times of national uncertainty. “Regardless of what’s happening at the top, those of us working at the street level know how to take care of our community, our neighbors, and our friends,” he stated.
Baackes highlighted the unique diversity of Los Angeles, suggesting that the city is a model for the country’s future. He believes that the blend of cultures and backgrounds in L.A. is not just a reflection of where the U.S. is headed, but a powerful driver of positive change. “If you want to see the future face of the United States, come to L.A.,” he remarked, underscoring how this diversity can help close the healthcare inequality gap. His words reflected admiration for The L.A. Trust's work and his commitment to continue advocating for the community even after his retirement.
Bidding for Good
Contributing for a chance to win exciting prizes
The evening included an exciting prize drawing and an entertaining live auction featuring trips to Italy, an all-inclusive tropical paradise, the Grand Canyon, and more. “Fund-a-need” pledges helped raise thousands of dollars for The L.A. Trust’s student engagement programs.
The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Gold Sponsor LA Care and Silver Sponsors Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group, Delta Dental, Health Net, Jan Kern, and Kaiser Permanente. Bronze Sponsors included Alta Hospitals, California Dental Association, DentaQuest, Liberty Dental, St. John's Community Health, The Broad Foundation, and Via Care. Ally Sponsors were AltaMed, Blue Shield of CA Promise HP, California Credit Union, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Dignity Health, John and Debbie Edleston, Eisner Health, LAUSD Board of Education — Dr. George J. McKenna III, Sylvia Hurtado — UCLA School of Education & Information Studies, Toney Health Care, UMMA Community Clinic, and Universal Community Health Center.
The L.A. Trust is deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed. Thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and bidders, we exceeded our goal to fund programs in the coming year, while also bringing attention to the urgent need for student healthcare.
Click here to see all the photos from the event.
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.
Salute to Student Health: gala highlights
Patricia Anton, Maryjane Puffer, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and Brandon Burriss
On September 28 more than 200 healthcare providers, educators and civic leaders gathered at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles for The L.A. Trust’s third annual Salute to Student Health. The gala raised awareness and funds for student health and honored Patricia Anton with The L.A. Trust Champion Award and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer with the L.A. Trust Visionary Award. Both were honored for their leadership and commitment to the health and well-being of our students and communities.
Brandon Burriss, board president of The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, noted that “Contributions are indispensable as we continue to empower peer-to-peer mentoring, a model that research has shown to be highly effective.” Burriss said, “Our mission is clear: we aim to reach every student, to empower them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.” He then thanked all our evening sponsors and introduced Executive Director Maryjane Puffer.
“As I reflect on this past year and the challenges we faced together, it's clear that amidst the difficulties, we also created countless memorable and uplifting moments,” said Puffer. “Like helping students to advocate for hydration stations at Washington Prep High School. The L.A. Trust was also proud to be a part of the coalition that successfully called for district-wide access to Narcan in LAUSD, allowing students to freely carry Narcan on campus,” she said.
Puffer acknowledged our research partners and the staff at the Federally Qualified Health Centers who provide crucial care to students through the Wellness Centers. “In 2023, our mission remains strong: enhancing health access, equity, and awareness for our students. Together, we've achieved extraordinary milestones this year, and we're excited to continue building on our partnerships and investments with all of you,” she said.
Impactful Journey with The L.A. Trust
Student speaker Jack Rojas
The night's featured guest speaker, Jack Rojas, an undergraduate at East L.A. College and a former member of The L.A. Trust Student Advisory Board at Garfield High School, shared his personal journey with The L.A. Trust. He spoke about how his involvement with the Student Advisory Board helped him develop crucial skills and empowered him to speak out about the dangers of substances like fentanyl. His story exemplified the positive impact that peer-to-peer training and mentorship can have on students. "Through the training and practice with The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Board, I had the tools and confidence to share my perspective and the facts on the dangers of fentanyl," said Rojas.
A Champion for Change
John Edelston, a board member of The L.A. Trust, had the honor of introducing the Champion Honoree Patricia Anton. Edelston stated, "The L.A. Trust Champion Award honors an individual whose courage and work exemplify an unwavering commitment and service to the health and lives of our students and communities. It’s difficult to imagine a more perfect example of this than Patty. She unreservedly and continually works to strengthen and enhance the Data xChange, matching its growth to our ever-shifting environment, and devising solutions when we hit the inevitable roadblocks."
Patricia Anton delivered an emotionally touching acceptance speech, sharing her mother's battles with mental health and the effects of this on her family as a way of illustrating the urgency of supporting students with ACEs, an acronym for “adverse childhood experiences.” While she had supportive "angels" in her life—her brother and friends—Patty expressed concern for children in the most underserved areas that The L.A. Trust serves, stating, "We cannot rely on just another person to help them; we need a system of support to assist these children." She stressed the importance of finding ways to support young people with ACEs, emphasizing that her best contribution was to demonstrate unequivocally the significant impact of School-Based Health Centers on children's lives.
Dr. Lauren McNally, with the help of her son, introduced The L.A. Trust Visionary Honoree, Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer. The assemblymember spoke about his work on AB 912—The Strategic Anti-Violence Funding Efforts (SAFE) Act. The groundbreaking legislation aimed to redirect $235 million in annual savings from the closure of two state prisons towards violence prevention and community support, including school-based health centers.
Fun during the dollar dash game
The evening also featured engaging activities like the dollar dash game and a live auction, all contributing to the cause of student health. The fund-a-need pledges further reinforced the commitment of attendees to The L.A. Trust's programs.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of student healthcare and the incredible impact that can be made when individuals and communities come together to support this vital cause. The L.A. Trust is deeply grateful to all who attended and contributed, as it is their collective effort that helps make a difference in the lives of students and communities. The evening was a testament to the power of collective action and the positive change it can bring.
Mission Report 2023: A year of impact
The 2023 Mission Report from The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health has been unveiled, chronicling a remarkable year for our board, staff, partners, donors, volunteers, and the students we serve.
This year's Mission Report illustrates how The L.A. Trust has built upon last year's achievements and highlights our unwavering commitment to enhancing student health and engagement. As our dedicated team and board members continue to strengthen the crucial link between student success and student health, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing support. Together, we work towards empowering our students to not only thrive and excel but also emerge as the inspiring leaders of tomorrow. Our work would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!
New report shows concerning rise in obesity rates among LAUSD students
Changes from 2018-2022
The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health has released a comprehensive Data xChange Impact Report for the school year of 2021-2022, providing valuable insights into the impact of Wellness Centers and school-based health centers (SBHCs) in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). These centers play a crucial role in delivering essential health services to students, families, and community members, underscoring their commitment to health equity and inclusivity.
Since 2015, The Data xChange has experienced a remarkable expansion, with the number of its medical clinics more than doubling. Today that number includes 15 Wellness Centers and 8 other school-based health centers located in underserved communities. The system has grown and for good reason. Over the years, the Wellness Centers and SBHCs have been instrumental in providing care to over 300,000 patients through nearly 900,000 visits. Serving as a medical home for many students, these centers focus on prevention, education, early intervention, and screening to promote well-being and academic achievement.
Wellness Centers and School-Based Health Centers at LAUSD.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the centers have witnessed an encouraging increase in the number of visits, returning to pre-pandemic levels last year. However, the report highlights a concerning rise in diagnoses of being overweight or obese, emphasizing the need to address associated health risks.
While there has been a decline in visits for contraceptive management, which reflects a nationwide trend influenced by the pandemic, the report notes a significant increase in chlamydia screening, underscoring the centers' commitment to addressing critical aspects of sexual health.
The report also emphasizes the importance of dental care services provided by the centers. Poor oral health has been linked to chronic diseases in adults and academic difficulties among students. With over 175,000 dental care visits since 2015, these centers are bridging the gap in access to dental care.
The patient demographics indicate that Latinx patients form the largest proportion, mirroring the composition of LAUSD's student population. The Wellness Centers extend their care to not just students but also families and community members, with a higher proportion of female visitors compared to males.
Changes in the proportion of all visits for specific types of services from 2018-2019 to the 2021-2022 school year
Additionally, the data reveals a concerning increase in diagnoses of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among community members. This aligns with the national trend of rising anxiety, depression, and substance use.
The findings of this report underscore the crucial and irreplaceable role that Wellness Centers and SBHCs play in delivering comprehensive healthcare services. These centers are deeply committed to ensuring health equity and refusing to leave anyone behind. They have become a cornerstone of healthcare and a reliable source of support within the highest need areas of Los Angeles.
About the Data xChange
The Data xChange is guided by an Expert Advisory Council that includes representatives from the following organizations: Children Now, Community Clinic Association of LA County, Community Coalition, Community Health Councils, First 5 Los Angeles, Inner City Struggle, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, LAUSD Student Health & Human Services, LAUSD Office of Data & Accountability, Prevention Institute, The Children’s Health Partnership and The Advancement Project.
Advancing student health: The L.A. Trust hosts the Wellness Network Learning Collaborative
The Wellness Network Learning Collaborative includes administrators, clinicians, and student health advocates
This past month of June, The L.A. Trust hosted the Wellness Network Learning Collaborative at the California Endowment in Downtown Los Angeles. The conference was a full house of over 100 enthusiastic administrators, clinicians, and student health advocates. Participants were thrilled to reconnect at the semi-annual event, centered around the exchange of valuable insights and best practices aimed at enhancing student health throughout L.A. Unified.
Dr. Ron Tanimura, Director of Student Medical Services at L.A. Unified, provided updates on LAUSD Student Medical Services and Medi-Cal Programs. He announced that all students from K-12 will now receive a vision screening at school, with opt-out consent. This will enable more students to receive examinations unless parents specifically opt out. He also briefly discussed The L.A. Trust's new Data xChange Impact Report for School Based Health Centers, which presented data on unique patient visits, services provided, demographics, and more for the 2021-2022 school year. His presentation concluded with an overview of the aggregated report cards for the 17 Wellness Centers, designed for school principals, parents, and students.
During the meeting, staff from each Wellness Center reviewed and discussed the Wellness Report Cards. LAUSD Organization Facilitators examined measures related to health authority, integrated programming, marketing and recruitment, shared outcomes, and staff collaboration. The L.A. Trust staff provided updates on the Student Advisory Boards and a recap of the Youth-to-Youth Health Summit. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming expectations for ongoing initiatives such as the Youth Mental Health Collaborative’s three-year plan and expanding dental partnerships for Oral Health.
The collaborative looked at data for the wellness centers and learned about policies that will benefit their respective communities
Gabby Tilley, Senior Policy Manager for the L.A. Trust, provided an update on the legislative landscape for school-based health centers, focusing on four high-priority bills. She also shared information on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative that includes $4.4 billion to transform youth-serving behavioral health systems. Following Tilley, Maggie Yu-DiPasquale led an energizing mid-meeting session of movement and stretching. The meeting concluded with a fun and competitive game of Jeopardy, adding an enjoyable and interactive element.
The Wellness Network Learning Collaborative conference proved to be a remarkable event, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices among administrators, clinicians, and student health advocates. The conference truly encompassed a holistic approach to student health and left participants energized and inspired to continue their impactful work. We look forward to the next Wellness Network Learning Collaborative conference. See you there!
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."
The L.A. Trust supports LAUSD Narcan policy update
Overdose deaths in the United States have skyrocketed in recent years, fueled in large part by an exponential rise in synthetic opioid use, primarily fentanyl. In 2016 the National Institute of Health reported fentanyl as the number one killer in overdoses, with about 20,000 deaths. Five years later in 2021, that number rose to almost 70,000 overdose deaths. With the nation seeking answers, headlines report students overdosing in Los Angeles schools, including a 15-year-old who passed on in a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school bathroom.
In response to this crisis, the LAUSD announced that schools will be provided with naloxone, a nasal spray that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The district is providing Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, and has trained staff on its proper administration. As part of this ongoing effort, LAUSD also announced plans to update its policy permitting students to carry Narcan. This step will ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk students and demonstrates the district's proactive, compassionate, and practical response to the opioid crisis.
The LAUSD Narcan student policy update received enthusiastic support from numerous student advocacy organizations, including The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health (The L.A. Trust), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Health, Azusa Pacific University, and Youth Health Services. The L.A. Trust was proud to be a part of the coalition that called for district-wide access to Narcan. As a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of students in the district, The L.A. Trust sees Narcan access and availability as another tool to keep our students safe, preventing overdoses and saving lives.
Used correctly, Narcan blocks the brain receptors that respond to opioids like heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Administered as a nasal mist, Narcan reverses the symptoms of an overdose such as shallow breathing, slowed heart rate or unresponsiveness, and can help stabilize the user until medical personnel arrive on the scene.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health also added their voice to the calls for Narcan, strengthening the coalition’s shared cause and ultimately shaping policy. LAUSD Chief Medical Director Dr. Malhotra said, “Collaboration among these organizations proved to be more effective than going alone, and we are grateful for each other's backup. Overall, the efforts of these outside influences were crucial in shaping this Narcan policy update.”
While having Narcan readily available in schools can mean the difference between life and death, some individuals have opposed its use in schools due to concerns it would encourage student drug use. However, research has shown that Narcan does not lead to an increase in drug abuse. In fact, some studies have shown that the use of Narcan can reduce opioid abuse. In addition, Narcan can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is an effective abuse deterrent.
It is important to remember that Narcan is not a cure for opioid addiction, and nothing can replace comprehensive addiction treatment and support to address its root cause. Having Narcan readily available can, however, be a critical step in saving lives.
We must continue working together to protect young people from further losses caused by the opioid epidemic. Advocacy efforts like ours and the subsequent policy changes, such as this one taken by LAUSD, are critical to providing potentially life-saving treatment, in which every second counts. It is inspiring to see such collaboration among dedicated individuals and groups who are passionate about improving student health and safety in our schools.
A big win for The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health
Student Advisory Board members set up peer to peer student health campaign
The L.A. Trust is thrilled to announce that it will be part of a $4 billion investment in the newly launched California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Community Schools Initiative invited The L.A. Trust and UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) to partner in a bid to become one of the eight Regional Technical Assistance Centers in the state to receive funding. It was announced last November that our proposal was awarded as part of $58 million in contracts.
These historic grants will strengthen current County Offices of Education efforts to grow community schools by providing technical assistance in everything from fundraising to setting up peer-to-peer student health campaigns. Schools that wish to transition to community schools (and who need guidance in applying for funds to do so), as well as schools that have already begun functioning as community schools, are eligible for this technical assistance.
As the community schools movement takes hold, many are wondering what differentiates a community school from a charter, a traditional, or other type of school. A community school serves as a hub for the community, providing educational and social services to students and their families. Community schools often have partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to provide services such as health care, counseling, and after-school programs. These schools aim to support the whole child and address the non-academic barriers to learning that students may face, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate housing.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said. “These Regional Technical Assistance Centers (RTACs) will work on the ground with local educational agencies and school sites to provide essential guidance. This is the moment for us to double down on our commitment to transform public education through the implementation of the CCSPP."
Community schools are a key initiative of California’s historic transformation of public schools that includes universal free school meals; universal transitional kindergarten; before- and after-school learning; and investments in teacher training, coaching, recruitment, and retention.
Community schools have existed for years, but the CCSSP is California’s first statewide initiative to provide funding, support, and standardization of the program through common guiding pillars: integrated services, including trauma-informed health services; expanded learning time and opportunities; collaborative leadership and practices for educators and administrators to support school climate; and engaging students, families, and the community.
Research shows that community schools can result in better school attendance, better grades and test scores, higher enrollment in college-prep classes, and higher graduation rates. The L.A. Trust is grateful for the vote of confidence from LACOE and the opportunity to increase our service footprint. We are excited and inspired to expand and implement our mission. Let’s get to work!
Salute to Student Health: an event to remember
The L.A. Trust Salute to Student Health event 2022. Photo credit by Rinzi Ruiz Photography
On September 29 more than 200 healthcare providers, educators and civic leaders gathered in-person at Vibiana, Downtown Los Angeles and online for The L.A. Trust’s second annual Salute to Student Health. The gala raised awareness and funds for student health and honored Dr. Barbara Ferrer with The L.A. Trust Champion Award and Dr. Jeanne Pritzker with the L.A. Trust Visionary Award. Both were honored for their leadership and commitment to the health and lives of our students and communities.
Executive Director Maryjane Puffer and Board President Brandon Burris
Brandon Burris, board president of The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, noted that “Two of the most pressing challenges our students face are mental health and oral health.” Burris said, “These issues are not going away. In some cases, they are getting worse. And that is the real reason why we are here tonight – to bridge the gap between education and health, and to shrink these statistics so that we can provide the safest and healthiest path forward for our children.” He then thanked all our evening sponsors and introduced Executive Director Maryjane Puffer.
“As we move through 2022, we continue to seek ways to increase access, equity, and awareness, as well as to bring high-quality healthcare services to the students we serve,” said Puffer. “It has been an extraordinary year despite the challenges, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with all of you,” she said.
Puffer acknowledged our research partners and the staff at the Federally Qualified Health Centers, who provide crucial care to students through the Wellness Centers. “The staff at these clinics went above and beyond during the height of the COVID-19 crisis,” she said, “and they continue to do so, serving students and families despite the many obstacles.”
Beautiful butterfly experience
Marsha Ellis, program director at The L.A. Trust, introduced the night’s featured guest speaker, Taaliyah Tucker, an undergraduate at LA Trade Technical College and a former member of The L.A. Trust Student Advisory Board (SAB) at Washington Prep High School.
Student speaker Taaliyah Tucker
Taaliyah Tucker spoke about her “Beautiful Butterfly Experience”, and how joining The L.A. Trust SAB helped her come out of her cocoon. “I went from being this shy girl, to speaking with my peers at table events to being highlighted in an L.A. Trust video,” she said. “And then speaking at the Youth to Youth Conference to High School kids from all parts of LA Unified. And tonight, I’m here sharing my story with all of you.”
Ms. Tucker shared her experience with bullying and the personal toll it took on her physical and mental well-being. She spoke about growing up without parents, being an introvert, joining The L.A. Trust Student Advisory Board and her hopes for the future.
“I don’t know where I’ll be 5 or 10 years from now, but what I do know is that I will always continue to learn and hopefully, keep up with my public speaking and educating people on the great work The L.A. Trust has done and continues to do for students like me,” she said. “For a student who once upon a time used to be a shy girl from South LA, but has now turned into a beautiful butterfly.” Her emotional speech prompted a standing ovation.
Interconnected realization
Pia Escudero, Executive Director at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Division of Student Health & Human Services received the award on behalf of Jeanne Pritzker. Escudero said, “I am humbled to accept this award on behalf of Jeanne because without Jeanne, we wouldn’t have the professionals that we have, the tools and resources that we have and be able to spread the wealth of health and mental well-being that we have today in our schools.”
Dr. Barbara Ferrer
Megan Reilly, Deputy Superintendent at LAUSD presented The L.A. Trust Champion Award to Dr. Barbara Ferrer. Dr. Ferrer noted how interconnected we are and how much we depend on each other. Dr. Ferrer said, “Every day, I get to work alongside remarkable people who tirelessly advance the health and well-being of more than 10 million people who live and work in LA County.” She asked the audience to join her in recognizing her public health colleagues who were in attendance and said, “This award is a tribute to their commitment, their exceptional efforts, and their personal sacrifice over the past nearly three years. I feel very fortunate to be a member of this public health team.”
Dr. Ferrer said, “As I look back over this very long pandemic, I am hopeful for our future, because we have forged ‘in strength and relationships that will allow us to continue to work together, improving conditions for students and their families, inside and outside the classrooms for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.”
Bidding for good
The evening sponsors included our Gold Sponsor , Kaiser Permanente, and Silver Sponsors , Liberty Dental Plan, Delta Dental, Big Smiles, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, William Grice, L.A. Care, Health Net, Anton Consulting, and L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. Bronze Sponsors included Planned Parenthood, Health Management Associates, St. John’s Community Health, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Orchard Financial Group, Tangram Interiors, Western Dental, and To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers. Community Allies include The California Credit Union, California Community Foundation, Holos Communities, LAUSD Board District 1/Dr. McKenna, Nicole J. Jones, and Brian Benton. Special thanks go to The Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation.
The evening included a Silent Auction and an entertaining Live Auction featuring trips to Italy, Hawaii, Mammoth and Mexico. “Fund-a-need” pledges helped raise thousands of dollars for The L.A. Trust’s student engagement programs.
The L.A. Trust is very grateful for all who came and all who gave. Thanks to our sponsors, attendees and bidders, The L.A. Trust raised more than $200,000 to fund programs in the coming year. More importantly, it brought attention to the need for student healthcare. The L.A. Trust is especially proud of Taaliyah and the current Student Advisory Board members and Covid Youth Task Force members in our video, who showed everyone what The L.A. Trust mission is all about.
Thank you for your support at our Salute to Student Health event
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We at The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health would like to thank you for joining us at this year's SALUTE TO STUDENT HEALTH Gala and helping to make our second annual event a great success. It was a true privilege for us to be able to come together and recognize the great work we have done together, and honor Dr. Jeanne Pritzker and Dr. Barbara Ferrer. Of course, we could not do any of this without your support. Your commitment, your friendship and your generosity inspires everything that we do. Thank you!
VIEW SOME SPECIAL MOMENTS IN OUR PHOTO GALLERY!
View, download and share the 2022 Salute to Student Health digital gallery. A big THANK YOU to all the individuals and companies who showed their support and commitment to The L.A. Trust mission. Thank you for helping to make our gala an evening to remember.
>>PHOTO GALLERY
It was a night to remember and we were so grateful to catch up with friends we had not seen in awhile and make some new ones. The evening was full of good people looking good and feeling good. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing more of you throughout the year! If you missed our event or want to relive that wonderful evening, watch it again in our pre-recorded coverage.
Meet our staff, partners and the students we serve in this inspiring look at the Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health video that was featured in our event. Our mission: Bridging health and education to achieve student wellness. Our vision: A world where every child is healthy and successful.
SPONSORS
The L.A. Trust Salute to Student Health 2022
A MAGICAL NIGHT BENEFITING A CRITICAL MISSION
Thursday, September 29 | 6 to 9pm
Vibiana | 214 S. Main Street
and streaming online
Downtown Los Angeles
Join us on Sept. 29 as we honor Jeanne Pritzker with the L.A. Trust Visionary Award and Dr. Barbara Ferrer with The L.A. Trust Champion Award, for their leadership and commitment to the health and lives of our students and communities.
Meet your colleagues and support our vision of a world where every student is healthy and successful. The evening will feature dinner prepared by acclaimed Redbird chef Neal Fraser, along with a silent and live auction. Join us in saluting our two honorees and make a difference in student health.
Event Ticket
$200.00 $175.00 per person
Early registration ends on September 9, 2022
Complimentary Valet | Cocktail Business Formal
We are taking every precaution to keep this event safe. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually. The event will adhere to the current COVID-19 guidelines.
SPONSORS
The L.A. Trust expands team to meet its missions
New additions to The L.A. Trust team will enable us to expand research, best practices and services affecting hundreds of thousands of students and their families.
The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health is expanding its team to meet new challenges and fulfill new grants.
Alex Zepeda has joined The L.A. Trust as a full-time senior data and research analyst. Zepeda will oversee The L.A. Trust Data xChange, a multimillion-dollar initiative that links student health metrics with academic and attendance data to identify concerns and find solutions. She will also support other research projects, programs funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and the Operations Committee of The L.A. Trust board of directors.
The Pasadena resident has served as a research analyst at Child360 and worked at the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities. Zepeda has a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and master’s in public health from UCLA.
“We are excited to have Alex on board,” said Marsha Ellis, director of programs for The L.A. Trust. “The L.A. Trust believes in data-driven solutions and Alex is the perfect person to help us find them.”
More development
Summer intern Erick Escalante, health connections intern, will promote The L.A. Trust’s school-based health census; align policy and legislative work to support LAUSD Wellness Centers; collect, organize and communicate SBIRT data; and help prepare reports on the overall Wellness Initiative.
Julie Edens has joined The L.A. Trust as a fundraising and events consultant reporting to Development and Communications Director Anna Baum. Edens will work part-time managing fundraising events, including the upcoming Salute to Student Health event and individual giving campaigns.
Also reporting to Baum is Hailey Jures, who will continue to serve The L.A. Trust as development consultant and grant writer. Jures is completing her master’s degree in public affairs at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
University of San Francisco undergraduate Erin Brown, who joined The L.A. Trust as an intern in March, will become a part-time communications assistant in August, reporting to Rob Wray, associate director of communications and media.
“Hailey has been an important part of our team for years,” Baum said. “I have worked closely with Julie Edens at the CLARE Foundation and seen her skills in action. And in just a few short months, Erin has proven herself in a key communications function,” Baum said. “Together, they will help The L.A. Trust raise its profile in the community and raise the funds we need to accomplish our missions.”
Partner profile: Satterberg Foundation is giving with heart
The Satterberg Foundation is a lead sponsor of the Seattle Equity Summit, which helps leaders and the public share strategies that advance equity. Photo by Jovelle Tamayo.
By Anna Baum
Donors are truly members of the non-profit family, and nowhere is that more evident than in the case of the Satterberg Foundation.
It helps that the Satterberg board and staff see their work as vital to their own well-being. Board Member Ben Lazarus and Caroline Miceli, director of operations and special interest grants, spoke to us recently and shared about Satterberg’s “secret sauce.”
“It’s about building trust,” said Caroline, “how to build relationships and trust.” The L.A. Trust has benefited greatly from Satterberg’s supportive stance — Caroline was the first to reach out when the pandemic hit, schools closed, and the bottom dropped out for so many nonprofits. A grantee since 2018, we had developed the relationships between their staff and ours that build trust.
A few months later when the murder of George Floyd rocked the nation and sparked a new chapter of its long climb out of racist roots, Satterberg was right there, asking its grantees again: what do you need?
Being human together
The answers led them to creating spaces “just to be human together,” and to Satterberg hosting professionally led Virtual Health, Healing & Caucusing meetings for both Black, Indigenous, People of Color and white-bodied cohorts. These gatherings offered a rare opportunity to begin the often-difficult conversations and healing processes as we engage in the national reckoning about systemic racism and its fall-out.
The Satterberg Foundation states that it “strengthens our communities by promoting a just society and a sustainable environment. Doing this work deepens the interconnection of our family.” Founded in by 1990 by Virginia Satterberg Pigott Helsell out of her and her husband’s love for their family, it continues to be a well of inspiration for their children and grandchildren.
Ben, Virginia’s step-grandson, is “grateful for the amount of family time it builds into my life.” A production sound mixer in Los Angeles, he looked forward to board meetings in Seattle before the pandemic, which allowed him to see his grandfather and other family members more frequently. The board is now composed of about 50% each of the two generations.
Extended family
The “family” in Satterberg’s mission statement is literal, but also resonates with the foundation’s vision of our human family. When Caroline started seven years ago, Sarah Walczyk was the only staff member, and the Satterberg family members did most of the work. Sarah is now executive director, with seven staff members and growing. Taking the long view of what organizations (as families) need in order to thrive, they focus on multiyear, core support grants.
They also understand the benefits for everyone of being “process light” in their grants process. Originally they asked interested organizations to send a page, and decided on the basis of that whether to schedule a visit. One organization sent an idea the writer had while folding laundry and drinking wine, about growing a lemon tree in a trash can. “That candor was an oasis in a desert of really dry letters,” Ben said. They set up a visit and the idea went on to be a form of community garden. The process has evolved, but they continue to ”connect on a human level, not on a KPI level,” in Caroline’s words.
Frank and open
This “come as you are” attitude helps grantees be frank about the issues and open about lessons learned. “We show up as humans, imperfect, all trying to mitigate power imbalances and talk about what people and organizations need,” said Caroline. “It’s a mosaic, not a traditional, white-dominated way. We’re centering and amplifying voices in our community, being an advocate through dollars or using one’s platform.”
This leads to the question of how to vet nonprofits to ensure the funds have the strongest impact. The L.A. Trust was recently awarded another five-year core support grant. How does the Foundation make such decisions? “Through community,” says Caroline. They look at what the work is, who is doing it, and whether the work, staff and board are coming from the communities served. Site visits clarify whether there is alignment with Satterberg’s mission and values.
Two of those values are moral courage and joy — qualities needed now more than ever. The L.A. Trust is grateful for the founders and stewards of the unique foundation; their comradeship helps sustain those values in our work.
Youth COVID-19 campaign will hit close to home
Students on The L.A. Trust COVID-19 Youth Task Force are developing a campaign to promote awareness and vaccination in Los Angeles.
High school students from 16 different campuses have joined The L.A. Trust COVID-19 Youth Task Force to educate their communities about the dangers of the coronavirus and the importance of vaccination. For many — quarantined for a year and grieving lost loved ones — the effort is personal.
“While all of our youth have been impacted one way or another, some of them are also grieving lost family members,” Nina Lee Tran, program manager for The L.A. Trust. “These youth applied to our Task Force and were selected to go through a rigorous and fast-paced program to learn more about COVID-19 and make a difference through their campaign.”
The task force is funded by a grant from Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg (Sanberg’s grant was facilitated by Ethos Giving). The task force started work March 1 and will continue through the end of August. The students, ages 15 to 17, have a lot on their plate, including learning about COVID and developing community presentations and social media campaigns.
Follow the task force on Instagram @covid_19ytf
The students’ participation “reminds me that youth are eager to learn and impact their communities, even during the pandemic,” Tran said.
Learning will be on two tracks: Students will become informed about the virus, the disease and vaccination, and will also become experts on communicating their message at community meetings and on social media.
Learning from experts
The 22 student members meet two hours per week and learn about COVID-19 from experts from UCLA, including Dr. Moira Inkelas, Dr. Vladimir Manuel and Dr. Jennifer B. Peralta. Topics include the biology and virology of COVID-19; understanding data and interpreting local testing and vaccination rates; and understanding vaccines.
The second half of each weekly two-hour session will focus on campaign and presentation development. It will be led by Tran, Program Manager Esther Yepez of The L.A. Trust, and Sabrina Rodrigues, an MPH fellow from UCLA.
High schools and charter schools represented on the task force are: Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School; Bell High School; Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy; Carson High School; Crenshaw High School; Girls Academic Leadership Academy; Huntington Park High School; Jordan High School; Locke High School; Manual Arts High School; San Pedro High School; South East High School; STEM Academy of Boyle Heights; STEM Academy of Hollywood; University Prep Value High School Charter; and West Adams High School.