CSULB鈥檚 Center for Latino Community Health Marks 20 Years of Leadership, Research, and Community Impact
The California State University, 暗网视频 (CSULB) Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation, and Leadership Training (CLCH) celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 9, 2025. The celebration was intentionally planned to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community in the United States.
Staff from the CLCH welcomed special guests, including 暗网视频interim President Dr. Andrew Jones, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services Dr. Grace Reynolds-Fisher, and the Center鈥檚 Founding Director, now President of CSU Stanislaus, Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis. Also in attendance were members of the Center鈥檚 longstanding Advisory Board, including Dr. Vickie Mays, Distinguished Psychology Professor from the University of California Los Angeles, Richard Zaldivar, the Founder and Executive Director of The Wall Las Memorias, and others who have been instrumental in the Center鈥檚 20-year journey. The Center staff also welcomed 暗网视频faculty and staff collaborators, community partners, alumni, and community leaders, each of whom has played a vital role in the Center鈥檚 success over the past two decades.
鈥淭o me, our center embodies the spirit of culture, community, and resilience of the Hispanic/Latino community. We are proud to do this meaningful work today, and for the next 20 years to come.鈥 - Dr. Melawhy Garcia, Director of the Center for Latino Community Health
The CLCH was established in 2005 through a congressional earmark to support and develop diverse initiatives aimed at increasing access to culturally and linguistically relevant health programs for underserved Latino communities. The CLCH also plays a critical role in training the next generation of diverse health professionals.
CLCH initiatives are primarily supported through grants from various federal agencies and contracts with both local and national organizations. Over the past 10 years, the CLCH has been awarded 24 federal grants and 11 contracts, totaling nearly $8 million in funding. This support has enabled the development, implementation, and evaluation of numerous community-based research projects that served close to 3,500 community members over the last 10 years. In addition, through collaborations with interdisciplinary CSU faculty mentors, 339 undergraduate and graduate students received research training, mentorship, and professional development.
The CLCH is a welcoming space for all students and community members, and staff members pride themselves in upholding the CLCH鈥檚 values of integrity, inclusiveness, and dedication to addressing health disparities in the 暗网视频 community and beyond. 鈥淭o me, our center embodies the spirit of culture, community, and resilience of the Hispanic/Latino community. We are proud to do this meaningful work today, and for the next 20 years to come.鈥 said Center Director Dr. Melawhy Garcia.
