Los Angeles Trust Honors Health Leaders at Annual Gala
News related to:The L.A. Trust for Children's Health · 2 min read
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health is set to host its sixth annual Salute to Student Health gala on October 7, 2026, at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo. The event aims to celebrate the importance of student health and recognize local leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities.
This year, the gala will honor Cástulo de la Rocha, President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services, with the Visionary Award. De la Rocha has led AltaMed for decades, transforming the organization from a community clinic in East Los Angeles into one of the nation's largest federally qualified health centers. His leadership has focused on expanding access to healthcare and improving health outcomes for underserved communities.
Memo Torres, a journalist at L.A. TACO, will receive the Champion Award. Through his journalism and community engagement, Torres has built deep connections across Los Angeles and helped bring greater visibility to the experiences and issues affecting local communities. His work reflects the power of storytelling to connect people, foster understanding, and amplify community voices.
Dr. Sarah Rodman, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust, emphasized the importance of recognizing these leaders.
The evening will also feature the voices of Wellness Youth Advocates (WYAs), student leaders who promote health and wellness among their peers at Los Angeles public schools. These students will share personal perspectives on resilience and wellness through a special video and live program, highlighting the importance of listening to young people and creating opportunities for them to lead.
The event will offer a Latin American-inspired culinary experience, cocktails, and dinner, along with a silent auction. The gala will bring together leaders from healthcare, education, philanthropy, and the Los Angeles community to celebrate the importance of student health and the work of these honorees.
The Salute to Student Health gala is part of The L.A. Trust's broader mission to bridge health and education to achieve student wellness. By recognizing and celebrating these leaders, the organization aims to inspire further action and support for student health initiatives in the region.