Event will honor AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha and L.A. TACO journalist Memo Torres

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health (The L.A. Trust) will host its sixth annual Salute to Student Health gala on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo.

The evening will bring together leaders from healthcare, education, philanthropy and the Los Angeles community to celebrate the importance of student health and recognize two local leaders whose work has helped strengthen and amplify the communities they serve.

This year's honorees are:

Cástulo de la Rocha, President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services, who will receive the Visionary Award. De la Rocha has led AltaMed for decades, helping grow the organization from its roots as 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, 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.

"Salute to Student Health is an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships that help young people access the care and support they need to thrive," said Dr. Sarah Rodman, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust. "We are especially pleased to recognize Cástulo and Memo, whose work reflects the importance of community, access and giving people a voice."

The evening will also center the voices of Wellness Youth Advocates (WYAs), student leaders who promote health and wellness among their peers at Los Angeles public schools. 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 feature cocktails, dinner and a Latin American-inspired culinary experience, along with a silent auction. The evening reflects The L.A. Trust's broader mission to bridge health and education to achieve student wellness.

EVENT DETAILS

Salute to Student Health 2026

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5:30–8:30 p.m.

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Media Contact

Mariam Jimenez, The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health, 1 213.241.3511, m.jimenez@thelatrust.org, https://www.thelatrust.org/

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SOURCE The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health