Newsletter: Volume 2, Number 10

Community Engagement at the

Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI)

Mission: The Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) Community Engagement core group aims to serve as a bridge between research and the community, ensuring collaborative solutions to Los Angeles' most pressing health challenges.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

• A Message to Our Community Members
• Hillcrest Drive Elementary
• Community Event
• Health Research Studies

• Resources
• The Healthy Food Corner
• Inspirational Quotes

South Los Angeles Community Engagement Team Members:

Tyrone Nance, MA

Lead Community Outreach Specialist

 213.910.0243

Tyrone.Nance@med.usc.edu

Natayla Seals

Community Outreach Coordinator

323.447.7905

Natayla.Seals@med.usc.edu

Esther Karpilow

Community Outreach Coordinator

213-446-7388

Esther.Karpilow@med.usc.edu

A Message to Our Community Members:

Throughout the month of September, we actively participated in several events aimed at promoting innovation within the community. These events served not only as meetings but as opportunities to bring together scientists, researchers, and community members. Through active listening, sharing insights, and working collaboratively, we aimed to tackle significant health challenges.

Of the many events we participated in during this inspiring month, two stood out:

The first event was the USC Discovery and Translational Hub (DTH) Community Showcase held on September 12th in partnership with the department of USC Community & Legal Government Partnerships. This event brought residents to our campus to learn about the DTH project and USC programs, with a focus on community engagement and education.

The second event was the annual HSC Core Fair held on September 13th. This event brought together various departments at USC to educate researchers about resources that are available to them.

These experiences demonstrate the potential of collaboration to drive meaningful change. By breaking down barriers and fostering relationships, we are shaping a future where health equity is not just a concept but a reality. Together, we can inspire progress and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for all.

Watch our latest video interviews with Dean Carolyn Meltzer, MD of Keck School of Medicine, and Michele Kipke, PhD, Co-Director of SC CTSI and Director of Community Engagement.

Hillcrest Drive Elementary School

We have conducted a series of workshops for parents and guardians of students at Hillcrest Drive Elementary School, covering topics such as autism awareness, chair yoga, mental health and mindfulness, and reproductive health.

Check out our latest video interview with Ms. White, the Parent and Family Center Director at Hillcrest Drive Elementary School, and Tyrone Nance, Lead Community Outreach Specialist. In this interview, they discuss the significance of organizing educational workshops for parents and guardians at Hillcrest Drive Elementary School and underscore the crucial role of building community connections to cultivate trust.

Watch the full video here.

Community Event

Community Wellness Festival

CHLA invites local community members to their Community Wellness Festival!



Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Outdoors at 1300 Virgil Place

Activities include:

• Home safety resources
• Community CPR
• Face painting
• Meet CHLA Therapy Dogs
• Backpack Giveaway
• Food Giveaway

For more information, please email CommunityBenefit@chla.usc.edu.

Health Research Study

RECOVER

A team of researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 in people under 25 years of age who are suspected of having or have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

They want to understand...

• How COVID affects a child's body
• How many children continue to feel sick after getting COVID-19
• Why some children feel sick for so long

Participants will be compensated for their time and participation in the study.

To obtain more information, please get in touch with Natayla Seals at natayla.seals@med.usc.edu or call (323) 447-7905.

THRIVE

The Research In Virtual Environments Study (THRIVE) is looking for teenagers to participate in a research study where they will explore a virtual city!

Along with parental consent, you may be eligible if you are:

• Between 14-17 years old
• Fluent in English
• Can control a joystick
• Have at least 1cm of hair
• Not pregnant
• Good physical and mental health (i.e., no history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease)

The goal is to examine how adolescents' minds and bodies respond to different city environments to better understand how neighborhoods affect health.

Eligible participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, please call (213) 821-9501 or email natayla.seals@med.usc.edu.

Resources

Findhelp.org is a great resource that helps you search and connect to find support. Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost resources.

The Healthy Food Corner

This month, our focus will be on healthy fall recipes. Get ready for delicious, seasonal dishes that are perfect for October!

For more healthy recipes, click here.

How to prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Spray a 2-quart baking dish or 9x9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or grease with olive oil or butter.
2. First boil the noodles until al dente, according to the directions on the package. Once done cooking, drain and set aside.
3. Cook your mushrooms: Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add in 1 tablespoon butter. Once butter melts, add in the mushrooms, onions, thyme and salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until mushrooms and onions are cooked down about 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
4. In the same skillet you cooked mushrooms, add in 2 tablespoons of butter and place over medium heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in a little bit of the flour and then slowly add in milk, a little bit at a time, alternating with the flour and vigorously whisking away any lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens up. If it gets too thick, add in ¼ cup more milk.
5. Once thick, turn off the heat and stir in garlic powder, parmesan cheese. salt and LOTS of freshly ground black pepper.
6. Stir in cooked noodles, mushroom and onion mixture, drained tuna and peas. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 390 calorie

Total Fat 12.5g

Saturated Fat 6.8g

Sodium 286mg

Carbohydrates 78g

Fiber 4.2g



Protein 22.3g

Inspirational Quotes

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” - Humbert Wolfe

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Suggestions, ideas, corrections? Have something to include in the November 2023 edition of this newsletter? Please email Natayla Seals at natayla.seals@med.usc.edu.

To learn more about Southern California Clinical and Translational Science, visit our website at sc-ctsi.org.