Youth Driven Healthy South Los Angeles

ABOUT

Youth-Driven Healthy South Los Angeles (YDHLA) focused on the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Central Alameda and South Central. These neighborhoods have extremely limited access to healthy foods and are surrounded by polluted, vacant city land. Social, economic, and environmental factors have contributed to high levels of obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular complications. YDHLA aimed to improve outcomes related to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Partnering with California Hospital Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the project created an inviting community with healthy food. Additionally, they engaged the youth and relied on their leadership, demonstrating to them that change is possible.

Because of BUILD we…

“Recruited 19 youth from Historic South Central L.A. to be Community Health Liaisons, who are leading efforts to create a healthier community. Additionally, 10 CBOs (including two local clinics) are working collaboratively to sustain project efforts for the future.”

Impact

Through fitness programs, youth working as community leaders, and environmental changes: 15 locally-owned corner stores began selling fruits and vegetables; 1500 fruit and vegetable vouchers were provided to community residents to support and promote healthy changes at corner stores; and 95 hours of fitness classes have been offered to the community thus far.