Taking the vaccines helps to protect ourselves, our patients, and vulnerable community members with compromised immune systems and others at high-risk for serious illness due to underlying health conditions. Children under five years old and adults over age 65 are at higher risk for complications from the flu.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccines, and review factual information on flu and Covid-19 vaccines from the LA County Department of Public Health. I got my flu and Covid-19 shots and encourage you to get yours today.

This month LA Health Services was a proud recipient of the Bronze Eagle Award at the Productivity and Quality Awards! “Paving a Bright Future for Nursing” program based at LA General Medical Center and the many other programs received recognition throughout the department. Congratulations to all the winners!

LA Health Services hosted the Excellence Awards, which recognized the exceptional work of key support departments at LA Health Services. There is highly innovative work that goes on throughout the various units within the department. See below to learn more.

The East Los Angeles Health Center Group, which includes the Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center, is fighting food insecurity to help our patients live their healthiest lives possible by providing access to fresh produce. See below to learn more about the meaningful efforts going on in our community.

The 37^th annual Productivity and Quality Awards Program ceremony was held on October 16, 2024, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The theme this year was Commitment to Serving People and Solving Problems. In attendance were countywide representatives who collectively work toward improving the services rendered to our communities via our various departments and units.

This year, LA Health Services was the proud recipient of three awards in the Top Ten category. Two of the awards were led by LA Health Services and Paving a Bright Future for Nursing won the Bronze Eagle Award! The program based at LA General Medical Center is a nurse mentorship program that has shown significant outcomes including increased confidence and satisfaction among nurse residents, improved retention rates, and enhanced clinical, organizational, and leadership skills.

The third highest award, the Bronze Eagle was awarded to:

Paving a Bright Future for Nursing led by Health Services (LA General Medical Center Nursing Education and Human Resources) with Human Resources

Julio Alvarado, Director of the Office of Contracts Administration and Monitoring, served as the charismatic host. The event opened with a mindfulness exercise led by Charmaine Dorsey, Director of Wellness, to help attendees feel present and connected. Prior to the event, participants completed a Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment to identify and maximize their strengths. Dr. Dries, a Clifton Strengths Coach, later spoke on “Harnessing Strengths to Empower Excellence” and led engaging table discussions on the themes created from participants’ Top 5 strengths.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, “Leading with Empowerment: Insights from the Top,” featuring four executive team members. Moderator Jesse Sungruengyos noted that the conversation allowed him to explore the leaders’ vision and strategies while engaging the audience with humor.

Each winning project was showcased through videos highlighting their embodiment of DHS values. Elizabeth Jacobi, Administrative Deputy, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the event, particularly the Workforce Development & Experience team. She noted how much HSA staff enjoyed connecting with colleagues and learning about the work of other units, expressing excitement for future events.

Dr. Christina Ghaly, L.A. Health Services Director, concluded the ceremony with an inspiring speech on how the organization can continue empowering excellence. She also answered questions from the audience, closing the event on a positive note.

The inaugural HSA Excellence Awards was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all involved.

Food insecurity, defined as the limited access to enough food to live an active, healthy lifestyle, is a growing public health problem in Los Angeles County. In response, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted two board motions in December 2017 and February 2019 to address food insecurity. These motions focus on 1) screening all patients for food insecurity at Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Public Health (DPH) clinics and referring those patients to food resources (e.g., CalFresh), and 2) identifying opportunities to redistribute food in community settings, such as clinics. Effectively addressing food insecurity helps improve health outcomes because access to high quality food can help prevent or control chronic health conditions.

Healthcare clinics like the East Los Angeles Health Center Group that includes Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center (Roybal) are examples of non-traditional spaces that expand the current emergency food system (e.g., food banks) to reach a wider audience. Produce distributions at Roybal align with many internal clinic policies and programs, serving as a unique community resource for both clinic patients and the local community to access affordable, fresh produce.

Roybal has hosted over 46 food distributions in the past three and a half years. Our team comes together once a month to pack grocery bags for our patients and community members. We work diligently, arriving at 6 am to receive the food delivery, set up tables and supplies, and begin bagging the produce. Distribution starts around 8:30 am and continues until the food is gone, usually between 10:30 and 11 am. Over the past year, we have seen a growing demand, as evidenced by the increasing number of people we provide food to.

On October 8, 2024, Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger presented a motion to declare October 15, 2024 as LA Found Day in Los Angeles County.

LA FOUND was established in 2018 by the Board of Supervisors. The program is now under the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department and is dedicated to locating and assisting individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and other cognitive impairments who are at risk of wandering and becoming lost.

Since its inception, over 1500 trackable bracelets have been issued to area residents. The bracelets are activated when a caregiver determines that someone has wandered away to improve the likelihood of finding them quickly. To date, 28 people have been rescued thanks to the trackable technology and the coordinated efforts between the Aging and Disabilities Department, law enforcement, and other County departments including LA Health Services.

This is a critical service in our community that is intended to help our most vulnerable community members and their caregivers. To learn more about how to apply for a trackable bracelet, look at the Aging & Disabilities Department website or call the information and assistance line at: 1 (800) 510-2020.

Erik Geovanny Sorto passed away on Sept 23, 2024. He was 44. Erik was well-known throughout Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (Rancho) for his helpfulness. He was also a research participant in the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) projects through RRI and helped to advance research on spinal cord injuries.

Erik came to Rancho in 2002 with a gunshot wound that resulted in C3-4 tetraplegia. He discharged home to the love and care of his family and caregivers. Erik vowed to give back to his community, promising to live a productive life and help those in need. He went to community college where he wrote a book (“Payback: The Cost of Being a Gangster” by Erik Sorto and William Wallis, 2008), documenting his many experiences. Today, that book continues to offer an important perspective about his life in Boyle Heights and his life as a tetraplegic. Erik subsequently graduated from Cal State University Northridge, while continuing his community outreach projects and serving the Rancho community.

In 2013, he was chosen to be the first subject in the BCI project with Rancho, Cal Tech, USC, and the Department of Defense. In hopes of making life better for other tetraplegics, Erik willingly had electrodes surgically implanted in his brain. Once connected to a sophisticated computer, researchers were able to measure and track his brain activity when presented with different tasks he “imagined” himself doing. Ultimately, he was able to operate a robotic arm to bring a drink to his mouth! This had been Erik’s goal since his injury. He was very proud of his contribution to science and participated in this project for over 5 years. Erik’s commitment moved Rancho in the forefront of BCI research. He was featured in many publications and a PBS documentary.

Erik transcended many barriers as a role model, educator, scientist, and friend. He will live on in the legacy of his contributions to Rancho, and through his family and friends.

A video of Erik and the BCI project can be viewed on the wall in the main hallway on the ground floor of the Outpatient Building at Rancho. A recent mural in the Harriman Building displays his “larger than life” image, which aptly fits his personality and contributions to Rancho.

Erik will be missed by all who knew him.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and it’s important to reflect on the fact that we are all, in many ways, temporarily able-bodied. Disability is a diverse and natural part of the human experience.  

 Our colleagues with disabilities bring unique perspectives, skills, and strengths that enhance our work environment and help us grow as an organization. This month serves as a reminder to not only celebrate these contributions but also to commit to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone can thrive. 

 Let’s continue to learn, listen, and take action to ensure that our organization remains a place where all individuals, regardless of ability, feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. 

As Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to highlight the remarkable work that takes place at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. The incredible team there provides exceptional care, leading the way in rehabilitation services and helping individuals regain independence and quality of life. Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Disability Justice training, which is now available for all workforce members through TalentWorks. This training will support our ongoing commitment to fostering equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all. 

Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated from September 15 - October 15 and offered opportunities to celebrate the diversity within our department and communities. Events were held throughout LA Health Services. LA General Medical Center held a Community Health Fair, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center held a food and vendor fair and Community Programs, in partnership with Health Services Administration and the Ambulatory Care Network held an informative Diversity Dialogue.

The cultural legacy of the Hispanic/Latinx community is deeply woven into the fabric of Los Angeles County. From language to food, art, music, and traditions, we see this influence at every corner. The incredible resilience, strength, and compassion of our Hispanic/Latinx colleagues reflect the heart of our mission to provide extraordinary care to all Los Angeles County residents. Their tireless efforts to provide culturally competent care help ensure that our communities receive the care they deserve.

An event was held at the East Los Angeles Health Center Group (ELAHCG), which hosted a joyous Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon. The event brought together over 140 staff members from across the Health Center Group, that includes the Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center.

Staff members adorned themselves in traditional garments from their countries of origin. The auditorium was transformed into a cultural tapestry, adorned with flags representing various Latin American nations and draped with authentic Mexican tablecloths. Latin American music filled the air, creating a vibrant and celebratory ambiance.

The luncheon was a celebration of diversity, unity, and the contributions of Hispanic individuals to the healthcare community. It provided an opportunity for staff members to connect, share their cultural backgrounds, and foster a sense of belonging.

Also on September 21, 2024, staff from ELAHCG participated in a Hispanic Heritage Month Tennis Celebration Event at Cal State University Los Angeles hosted by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern California. 

They partnered with Esther Avila-Hendershott, the first Latina to lead USTA Southern California’s Community Tennis and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. As director, Avila-Hendershott's vision for this event was to foster diverse participation and inclusion as we celebrated tennis accessibility and community engagement. This event brought together individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the sport and the day’s activities. 

Nurses and Health Educators from the ELAHCG primary care clinic provided a health information booth on chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes management, and physical activity. The team was able to engage many attendees by offering blood pressure checks and providing education for self-management.    

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. This observance is an important reminder of the resilience, strength, and ongoing impact of Native peoples, particularly in the field of healthcare. 

Native Americans have long been trailblazers in areas of healing and community care, including the development of traditional medicine practices that continue to inspire modern health approaches. Their understanding of holistic health and the connection between physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental well-being has paved the way for many modern healthcare principles. We celebrate the contributions of Native American healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates who have made significant strides in promoting health equity and improving access to care for Indigenous communities. 

It is also imperative to acknowledge that our facilities and the communities we serve stand on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples. We pay our respects to their past, present, and future and recognize the importance of land acknowledgments as a way to affirm our connection to our shared history. 

November serves as a reminder of the ongoing work we must do to ensure health equity for all communities, especially those who have historically faced disparities. Let us continue to reflect on the importance of building partnerships with Indigenous communities and committing ourselves to creating more inclusive and culturally respectful healthcare practices. 

Thank you for your dedication to these efforts and for joining in the observance of Native American Heritage Month.