The Community Engagement (CE) Core of the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) held its first health screening event of the year on Saturday, February 22. This event took place at L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan’s newly opened Community Resource Center in South L.A.

Following the success of the health screening event coordinated by CE in November 2024 at the Community Resource Center in East Los Angeles, the team replicated their efforts in another part of town.

“Once we heard about the new center opening up in South L.A., we were eager to schedule a health screening event to reach the community where medical services are limited,” said Nicole Wolfe, PhD, Co-Director of Community Engagement.

Arturo Peña, Manager of the Community Resource Center in South L.A., emphasized the importance of making healthcare services accessible for the community.

“By establishing centers that offer health screenings, like this event, and making them accessible, it becomes easier for the community to start addressing their health problems and learn how to manage and care for themselves,” Peña said.

The event reunited the same partners from the November 2024 health screening, including the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Participants received free health screenings, such as glucose, cholesterol, and body fat evaluations.

“It’s important for us at USC Mann to serve the community that surrounds our university. We’re thankful that the Community Resource Center in South L.A. has provided this space to increase healthcare access,” said Jeany Jun, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, APh, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Director of Collaboration and Community Outreach at USC Mann.

Over 50 community members benefited from the services provided by students from both universities, supported by preceptors and CE members who assisted with translations for Spanish-speaking patients.

Paris Sun, a second-year PharmD student, highlighted the importance of exposing pharmacy students to health events and putting their skills into practice.

“As pharmacy students, we engage with health events in underserved communities where many are unaware of their health conditions and unsure how to communicate with their doctors,” he said. “We conduct screenings, share the results, and provide consultations to explain these results. This practical application of our classroom knowledge helps us contribute positively to the community.”

The success of this health screening event underscores the important role that collaborative efforts play in enhancing healthcare accessibility and education for communities with limited medical resources. By engaging students from medical and pharmacy schools, these events provide practical learning opportunities that help students understand and address chronic health issues in various communities. SC CTSI is committed to continuing these initiatives to further bridge health service gaps and improve health outcomes across Los Angeles.