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SC CTSI Community Engagement

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Mission: The Community Engagement (CE) core group at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) at the University of Southern California serves as a bridge between academic researchers and local communities, establishing sustainable partnerships to ensure research initiatives effectively address the genuine needs of the community.

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Message from the Community Engagement Team
  • 2023 Annual Report
  • In-person Workshop
  • Community Events
  • Resources
  • The Healthy Food Corner
  • Health Research Studies
  • Follow Us on Social Media
  • Inspirational Quotes

Message from the Community Engagement Team

This May, we want to take a moment to celebrate all the mothers and maternal figures in our lives. Mother's Day, which falls on Sunday, May 12, is an opportunity to express our deep gratitude for her unconditional love and constant support.


It is also important to remember that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, we are focused on educating each other, supporting each other, and breaking the stigma around mental health issues. Let us always remember that taking care of our mental health is essential for our general well-being.


We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to our community.


May you have a wonderful month filled with love, gratitude, and self-care!

2023 Annual Report

We’re excited to share our 2023 Annual Report!


The report highlights our dedication to advancing health equity through various initiatives. These initiatives include community outreach and education programs, capacity-building opportunities for community health workers, and the development of collaborative partnerships focused on addressing health disparities.

Read the Annual Report

In-person Workshop

Mental Health and Mindfulness Workshop

Tuesday, May 14 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: 4308 Crenshaw Blvd, Crenshaw, CA 90008


The Mental Health and Mindfulness workshop will inform participants about anxiety, depression, and coping with grief. It will offer practical strategies for managing difficult emotions and introduce accessible tools such as mindfulness.


Join us to gain valuable insights and resources for improving your mental well-being.


We will cover topics such as:

  • What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression?
  • What are some coping strategies that can help us?
  • What is mindfulness?


For more information, please contact Esther Karpilow at (213) 446-7388.

Community Events

Mental Health Month Free Community Picnic

Friday, May 17 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Location: Craig Regional Park

3300 North State College Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92835


Join Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies for a FREE community picnic to celebrate Mental Health Month! They will have activities for all ages, tacos, ice pops, and more!



More information

Mental Health Awareness Summit

Thursday, May 16 from 9:00am - 2:00pm

Location: LA84 Foundation

2141 West Adams Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90018


Welcome to the Mental Health Awareness Summit! Join LA84 Foundation for a day filled with insightful discussions, workshops, and activities focused on mental health. Learn from experts in the field, share your experiences, and connect with others who are passionate about mental health and wellness. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to raising awareness about mental health.


More information

Healing Spaces for Mental Health Advocates

Saturday, May 25 from 11:00am - 12:30pm

This event invites community members and mental health advocates to gather and heal together during mental health discussions and mindfulness activities.


Register here

Resources

South Los Angeles Food and Resource Distribution

Frequency: Every Tuesday

Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Address: 6916 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047

LA Care Community Resources

Frequency: MondayFriday

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Address: 4801 Whittier Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90022

For more information, call: (213)438-5570


Community Development Helping Housing

Frequency: Monday- Friday

Hours: 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Address: 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Contact info: (855) 808-4580


Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Frequency: Monday- Friday

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Address: 1734 E 41ST, Los Angeles, CA 90058

The Healthy Food Corner

HEALTHY QUINOA SALAD

This Healthy Quinoa Salad is packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in an easy peasy whisk-and-pour Mediterranean dressing. I cannot WAIT for y’all to try this superfood salad!



Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 5 cups chopped curly kale
  • ½ tsp healthy oil (avocado, olive, etc…)
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups frozen sweet corn (Steam if frozen or sauté if using fresh from the cob)
  • 1 cup frozen edamame
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 bell pepper chopped (any color)
  • 2-4 TBSP green onion
  • additional salt and pepper to taste if desired


EASY PEASY SALAD DRESSING

  • ½ cup avocado oil (olive oil works great too)
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano leaves
  • ½ tsp dried basil leaves
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve. Bring a small pot to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa! Next add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
  • While the quinoa cooks, wash and dry your chopped kale and massage with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt for extra-tender kale that tastes GREAT! Toss kale with shredded carrot, bell pepper, and green onion in a large bowl.
  • Next steam edamame and corn per package instructions and set aside to cool.
  • For the dressing, combine all the ingredients listed in a small bowl and whisk together. Additionally, you can add all the ingredients to a lidded mason jar and shake well.
  • Once your quinoa is ready, fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste. For a chilled salad, allow the quinoa, edamame and corn to chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. For a room temperature salad, simply set aside to cool off slightly and then add to the rest of your veggies.
  • Ready to eat? Pour half dressing over salad and mix well. Allow friends/family to add additional dressing to taste.



Nutritional Facts


Calories: 321kcal

Carbohydrates: 54g

Protein: 16g

Calories: 321kcal

Carbohydrates: 54g

Protein: 16g

Fat: 6g

Calories: 321kcal

Carbohydrates: 54g

Protein: 16g

Fat: 6g

Sodium: 126mg

Potassium: 1059mg

Fiber: 7g

Sugar: 5g

Vitamin A: 12155IU




Health Research Studies

Interested in participating in a health research study? 

Over 100 million adults in the U.S. are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and Latinos are at much higher risk. Diabetes also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These diseases are under-studied in Latinos. You can help!


Join the Diabetes Brain Study at the University of Southern California to help researchers learn more about the link between these diseases as they work towards improved prevention and treatment for everyone.


Contact Lorena Contreras at LC_454@usc.edu or Giovanni Ariel Trejos at GAT_193@usc.edu.


You can also call 1-833-USC BRAIN (1-833-872-2724). 


Visit USCBrain.com to learn more. 

For additional information on this study and to view other ongoing research projects at USC and CHLA, click here.

Follow Us on Social Media

Want to learn more about the work we are doing in the community? Follow us to stay updated!

Facebook  Instagram  TikTok

@usc.ctsi.community

Inspirational Quotes

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”

— Audrey Hepburn


You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” 

— Stephen King



You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

 — C.S. Lewis

Questions?



Natayla Seals

Community Outreach Coordinator

Community Engagement, SC CTSI


(323) 447-7905

Natayla.Seals@med.usc.edu

Would you like to subscribe to our community newsletter in Spanish?

Contact Mayra Rubio-Diaz at mayrarub@med.usc.edu.