SC CTSI Community Engagement

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:

• A Message from the Team
• November 9th: Diabetes Health Fair & Town Hall
• November 14th: Health Fair & Town Hall
• Join Our Free Support Gatherings
• Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study
• Listening Sessions for Latino Rare Disease Patients & Caregivers

• DHS Diabetes Day
• Follow Us on Social Media
• Resources
• Nutrition Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
• Inspirational Quotes

A Message from the Team

November 9, 2024: Diabetes Health Fair & Town Hall

We are pleased to announce that we are organizing a health fair in East Los Angeles focused on diabetes!

Medical professionals will be present to talk with you about your health.

The event will feature health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and body fat evaluations.

Click here to view the flyer.

Saturday, November 9

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.



L.A. Care

4801 Whittier Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90022



We hope to see you there!

November 14, 2024: Health Fair and Town Hall

We will be having a health fair and town hall in South Los Angeles!

The event will feature health screenings, informational booths, and a keynote presentation from Dr. Jerry Abraham from Kedren Health!

Click here to view the flyer.

Thursday, November 14

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.



Saint Mark United Methodist Church

8305 S Gramercy Pl

Los Angeles, CA 90047



We hope to see you there!

Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study

NEW USC RESEARCH STUDY: The purpose of this study is to learn more about effects of after school programs on children's brain development, self-control and decision-making.

Who is eligible?

Children ages 6-8 who:

• Have never participated in a music training program or classes for more than 6 months
• Live in Los Angeles
• Classify as low-income
• Identify as Latino/a and Hispanic

Free after-school music or theatre program:

• Your child will be randomly assigned (like a lottery) to participate in a free music or theatre after-school program 
• The programs will last 2 years and provide 3 hours of weekly activities.

Three visits to USC lab with compensation provided! 

At the lab, your child will play cognitive games and we will take a brain picture with MRI. The MRI is completely safe!

Up to $75 (at a rate of $25 per hour) for each visit to USC or remote survey. 

Additional $50 bonus for each return visit! 

View the flyer here.

Listening Sessions for Latino Rare Disease Patients & Caregivers

The National Organization for Rare Disorders is hosting community listening sessions with Latino/a/x rare disease patients, families, and caregivers in southern California. They want to hear about your experience getting diagnosed and living with a rare disease.

What to Expect:

• All identifying information shared during the sessions will remain confidential
• Participants will receive a gift card.
• There will be games for kids, delicious food, and free NORD swag!
• These listening sessions are private events and open only to Latino/a/x rare disease patients and caregivers, registration is required.

Location: Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., California

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Time: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

The community listening sessions will be held in English and Spanish from 4:30pm to 6pm.

Dinner will be served from 6pm to 7pm.

View the flyer here.

DHS Diabetes Day

Health Services Los Angeles County is hosting DHS Diabetes Day on Wednesday, November 20.

The event will include:

• Provider-led lectures on all aspects of care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Technology demonstrations for CGMs and pumps (including troubleshooting).
• "Ask the Expert" booth for any questions on diabetes management
• Mental health support to discover and connect with resources in your community

Location: The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Zoom option available

View the flyer here.

Follow Us on Social Media

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

@usc.ctsi.community

Resources

South Los Angeles Free Produce Distribution

Frequency: Fourth Thursday of every month

Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Address: 123 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, 90301

Feed LA

Frequency: First and third Tuesday of every month

Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Address: 4301 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020

It's Bigger Than Us

Frequency: Every Friday

Hours: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Address: 6920 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Nutrition Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

• Boost your plate with color! Make fruits and veggies a big part of your meals—aim for at least five servings (about 400g) daily. The more colors, the better for your health!

• Be mindful of your sugar intake! Try to keep it to less than 10% of your daily energy, which is about 12 teaspoons. Opt for natural sugars from fruits when possible!

• Cutting back on salt can keep your heart healthy! Stick to under a teaspoon (5g) a day, and try herbs and spices for flavor without the extra sodium.

• Choose healthy fats like those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Limit saturated fats to 10% of your intake and avoid trans fats to keep your heart strong!

Inspirational Quotes

"The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment." – Tony Robbins

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." – Will Durant

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." – Alan Cohen

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.