Experts on immigration law and practical and Latinx theology will discuss the state of United States immigration laws and enforcement, as well as Christian engagement with immigration and issues arising from national borders.

A complimentary lunch will be provided on a first-come first-served basis.

About the speakers

Nathaniel B. Walker, JD, MA, is a representative of the National Association of Immigration Judges. Previously, Walker has served in roles including assistant U.S. attorney in the Central District of California, assistant chief counsel for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and assistant commonwealth’s attorney in the state of Virginia.

Marlene M. Ferreras, MA, MS, is assistant professor of practical theology in the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School at La Sierra University. Her research focuses on the identity and eschatology of indigenous women in Yucatán, Mexico. Ferreras is a participant in the San Diego-based nonprofit organization Border Angels, which advocates for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice related to the United States–Mexico border. She is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister with 14 years of pastoral experience.

Tickets are $35 for terrace 212, rows D-G. Regular price is $69 and above. Six-ticket limit per person. 

Call Student Affairs at 909-558-4510 for more information.

The workshop will be held in the Damazo Amphitheater, Centennial Complex, from 5 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Sponsored by the School of Medicine.

During this workshop, attendees will:

• Hear what it is like to hike from Mexico to Canada
• Be transported by story, photography and video to places that take one’s breath away, where there are no safety rails
• Learn about America’s “Triple Crown Trails,” including the Pacific Crest, Appalachian and Continental Divide trails.

All are invited. Admissions is free, and reservations are not required. 

For more information about this workshop or the Wil Alexander Wholeness Series, call the School of Allied Health Professions portfolio department at ext. 83378.

• A emergency medical care BS
• An advanced practitioner in respiratory care post-professional BS (online)
• A respiratory care MS

For additional information about these programs, contact the School of Allied Health Professions or download the information sheets.

The schedule and list of departure/campus destination locations are below. Please note that new stops on campus can be added to accommodate new riders.

Ride for free for one week by contacting the Rideshare at ext. 53033 or rideshare@llu.edu.

Joining a vanpool saves money on fuel, tires and oil changes, and it may qualify you for a reduction in automobile insurance rates (varies per insurance company). In addition to these savings, vanpool members are automatically enrolled in quarterly gift card raffles and receive preferred parking.

Schedule and locations

Van 1 - Phelan/Hesperia

AM departure time: 5:30-6:30 AM
LLUH locations: BMC
PM departure time: 3-3:30 PM
This van is flexible on AM departure time up to 2 hours

Van 2 - Park & Ride Amargosa Rd

AM departure time: 6:50 AM
LLUH destinations: 101/MC/MVP
PM departure time: 5 PM (M-TH), 2 PM (FR)

Van 3 - Park & Ride Amargosa Rd

AM departure time: 6:20 AM
LLUH destinations: FPBO Hosp Lane
PM departure time: 4:30 PM (M-TH), 1:30 PM (FR)

Van 5 - Park & Ride Amargosa Rd

AM departure time: 6:40 AM
LLUH destinations: LLUH/Magan Hall/MVP
PM departure time: 5 PM (M-TH), 2 PM (FR)

Van 6 - Park & Ride Joshua Tree/Hwy 395

AM departure time: 6 AM
LLUH destinations: MC
PM departure time: 7:30 PM

The two-week program focuses on students, incoming kindergarten through third grade, who are presenting with difficulty in beginning reading and language, or who are at-risk for difficulty with language and beginning reading skills.

Morning or afternoon sessions are available.

Register before May 30 for special early-bird pricing: $80 per child. Regular registration is $100 per child.

To register, visit campscui.active.com/orgs/LomaLindaUniversity.

Professor of Biology Stephen G. Dunbar, PhD, offers the class to employees and community members interested in the topic. It will meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6–8 p.m., from April 3 through May 31.

Course participants will learn about marine organisms in tropical habitats around the world.

The class is required for a vacation field course to Roatan, Honduras, later this year (minimum of five participants required for the trip to take place). The tentative trip dates are Sept. 2-9; no tuition benefit applies to the trip.

Registration is now open. To learn more, contact Dunbar at sdunbar@llu.edu or ext. 48903.

Biology professor Stephen Dunbar, PhD, in Thailand.

Hosted by Penelope Duerksen Hughs, PhD, associate dean, basic sciences and translational research; chair, department of basic sciences; professor of biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Join Dr. Richard and Judy Hart at their home in beautiful Oak Glen on the second Sabbath of each month, from October through May. Dress casually and bring a jacket or wear layered clothing.

Get to know other students and faculty outside of school, and enjoy a vegetarian potluck. Bring an entrée, salad or dessert; drinks are provided.

After-lunch hiking is available if weather permits.

The Harts’ address is 39277 Harris Rd., Yucaipa. 909-797-2450. Take I-10 east to Yucaipa Boulevard exit. Turn left over the freeway. Continue to Oak Glen Road and turn left. Continue past Bryant Street for about 5 miles. Turn right at the second (paved) Harris Road.

Participants will

• participate in a phone interview, 
• complete four weekly sessions in the department of psychology or via the internet, 
• complete two monthly sessions for three months in the psychology department or via the internet, and 
• complete three interviews at the psychology department.

Participants will be eligible for a modest cash gift.

For more information, call Dr. Sylvia Herbozo at 909-558-7137.

The college’s first students are graduates of local high schools, and many of them are the first in their families to pursue a career in health care.  According to Wild, these students, who began classes on Sept. 22, 2016, are now familiar with medical terminology and the intricacies of the human cell.

The IT staff was moved by Wild’s presentation.  “When they learned that many of the students were completing their assignments in local libraries and on their cell phones,” says DP Harris, vice president for information systems, “they were inspired to find a way to help.”

The IT staff along with a few other Loma Linda University Health, colleagues decided to personally donate the funds for each student to have a laptop computer, mouse, and backpack carrying case. The backpacks were embroidered courtesy of Digital Production Ink/LLU Printing Services.

After months of planning, on Dec. 20, the gift became a reality. During a Christmas luncheon the IT team presented embroidered backpacks to the San Manuel Gateway College students.

“This is heavy,” commented several students as they lifted the sturdy backpacks.

“The staff waited mischievously,” recalls Harris, “and watched as one by one the students realized there was something more inside. As the students lifted out the Hewlett Packard laptops, there were no loud cries, rather silent tears of joy—including the young men—as they realized the level of generosity that had been given.”

After the party the group moved to a classroom where desktop support staff guided the students as they set up their HP laptops and downloaded software.

The program, targeted at incoming kindergarten to third grade students, will help those have difficulty beginning reading and language or who are at-risk for difficulty with language and beginning reading skills.

Campers will attend either a morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) sessions from July 18 through July 29 and have language in the classroom lessons, phonological awareness activities and language activities.

Register before June 15 for special earlybird pricing of $75 per camper. Regular registration fees are $90 per camper.

For more information or to register, visit campscui.active.com/orgs/LomaLindaUniversity.

Boling earned his MD from Texas Tech University Health Science Center, School of Medicine, in 1991. After medical school, he completed a surgical internship and neurological residency at University of Kentucky Medical Center. He then went on to McGill University, Montreal Neurological Institute, where he was a research fellow in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery. In 2000 he also completed a clinical and research fellowship in the department of neurosurgery at University of Melbourne and Repatriation Medical Centre.

After his training, Boling has served in a number of key clinical, academic, research and leadership roles. He comes to Loma Linda University School of Medicine from University of Louisville, where he has served as interim chair since 2013 and professor and associate program director in the department of neurosurgery. In addition, Boling has received a number of distinguished honors and awards, including “Top Brain Surgeon” in Louisville Magazine, and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, abstracts and book chapters.

Boling is service director for the International Consortium for the treatment of Epilepsy in Underserved Settings, as well as director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.

On the large screen in front of her, a giant robot stood among tall buildings, its arms mirroring the woman's hesitant movements.

Ryan Haglund, a developer with Health Interactives, attempted to convince her to move the robot's arms to knock over the on-screen buildings.

The woman's child companion came behind the woman's wheelchair to help, and the woman's movements became more confident and animated, her robot avatar swinging its arms at the buildings.

Haglund and the robot are both part of Health Interactives, an initiative that made its public debut at the annual Senior Health and Fitness Fair Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Loma Linda University Drayson Center.

The Health Interactives booth offered two technical demonstrations: an augmented-reality ball maze and the motion-detection simulator--featuring the robot.

Visitors delighted in challenging the robot's ability to copy their movements, turning and twisting, moving their arms and legs in complicated patterns to confuse it. Despite their efforts, the robot replicated their dances.

Among those who tested the motion simulator was Carol Strait. "It makes you exercise," she said. "Like if you dance [at home], you can see yourself on screen."

Despite all appearances, the demonstrations had practical value. The ball maze tested fine motor control and the robot measured balance and dexterity.

Although Health Interactives as an initiative is nearly a year old, to date the team has worked directly with select audiences. The booth at the senior fair was the first public demonstration of the team's offerings.

The team is made up of two developers--Haglund and Luis Luna--and an artist--Graham Kampmeier. The entire project is led by DP Harris, PhD, chief information officer for Loma Linda University.

"Health Interactives is trying to promote health lifestyles and activity via gaming and other interactive products," Kampmeier said.

Or, as Dr. Harris likes to say, "It's not all fun and games." Health Interactives is all about teaching.

Over the past year, the Health Interactives team has worked with Indian Springs High School in San Bernardino, creating a medical terminology review game; and with educators from the School of Medicine and the School of Allied Health to create a disaster triage training game.

Current projects include a collaboration with educators from Southern Adventist University on a science game and with a professor in the School of Dentistry on an X-ray game.

And there are applications for health care as well.

Lily Lee, MPH, is collaborating with the Health Interactives team on another project in development. Lee sees potential for occupation and physical therapy activities as patients can work on improving balance and range of motion.

The citation noted the chapter's "participation in several community activities to better the lives of others through monetary funds or services," describing their efforts as "impressive" and doing "a great job in promoting the profession of social work."

The award includes travel funds for the annual meeting in Denver, a $500 check and a plaque.

This is the chapter's second national award in three years.

Dr. Ashley received his B.S. in physical therapy in 1964 from the Loma Linda University School of Physical Therapy; his M.P.H in community health administration/health education in 1968 from the Loma Linda University School of Public Health; and his Ed.D. in health education in 1971 from Boston University.

Dr. Ashley began working for Loma Linda University in 1968, first as an instructor in the department of physical therapy in the Loma Linda University Medical Center, then assuming various leadership positions in the Medical Center and School of Allied Health Professions before assuming the position of chair of the department of physical therapy in 1979 and the position of associate dean for student affairs in 1990. He maintained both of those positions until his death.

Dr. Ashley was a mentor to many of us; a visionary and out-of-the box thinker. His easy manner and jovial laugh amused and endeared him to students, faculty and staff alike.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Natasha, friends, colleagues and generations of students.

A memorial service for Dr. Ashley is scheduled at 4 p.m., Monday, August 31, at the Loma Linda University Church.

Wearing personalized Loma Linda University Health constructions hats and safety vests, leaders of the organization gave remarks during a brief program before moving the crowd outside, where they and construction workers signed the final steel beam.

Covered with newly penned signatures and messages, the beam was lifted to the roof via crane, putting in place the final piece of the building’s shell. 

Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino represents a new approach to improving the health of the city and will serve as a model for communities across the country. 

The project involves three components: the San Manuel Gateway College, a medical clinic and a vegetarian restaurant. It is scheduled for completion in summer 2016.

San Manuel Gateway College

The San Manuel Gateway College, named in recognition of a $10 million gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is a new and unique educational collaboration with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the San Bernardino Community College District and other entities.

This initiative will provide career opportunities through six- to 12-month entry-level medical certification courses, such as phlebotomy and medical and dental assisting, for high school and adult students who come predominantly from disadvantaged and impoverished communities of San Bernardino and the surrounding area.

Medical care

A clinic operated by Social Action Corps (SAC) Health System will offer affordable clinical care to underserved communities, more than doubling the space it currently occupies at the former Norton Air Force Base. Formed by Loma Linda University students and faculty in the 1960s as a way to help people in need, SAC Health System is now the largest single provider of MediCal services in San Bernardino.

The new space will grow this outreach and feature world-class health care provided by Loma Linda University Health faculty, residents and students.

Restaurant and demonstration kitchen

A gourmet, wait-service vegetarian restaurant will offer healthful foods to the community while demonstrating that plant-based eating can indeed be enjoyable. The restaurant will provide an important healthy dining option in the city center and offer another avenue to share the latest health advances made by Loma Linda University Health’s researchers.

Learn more: lomalindauniversityhealth.org/sanbernardino

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Roy Branson, PhD, noted Seventh-day Adventist theologian, social activist, ethicist, mentor and educator, passed away from complications of cardiovascular disease July 7 at the age of 77.

The story of Branson’s meteoric — if somewhat unorthodox — career trajectory tends to overshadow an equally interesting personal narrative, but taken together, the two present a picture of a profoundly creative and innovative individual with wide-ranging interests and spheres of influence.

The day he died, the Adventist Review described Branson as “a fervent activist for various causes, from the civil rights movement to anti-smoking legislation, anti-poverty initiatives, and social, political and medical ethics.” The Review article also reported that he received his undergraduate degree from Atlantic Union College, earned graduate degrees at the University of Chicago and Andrews University, and received his PhD in religious ethics from Harvard University in 1968.

One of Branson’s many close friends, David R. Larson, PhD, professor of ethical studies at Loma Linda University School of Religion, enlarges that portrayal by citing a few notable titles and highlights of Branson’s remarkable career:

• Associate dean and professor, Loma Linda University School of Religion
• Director, Center for Christian Bioethics at Loma Linda University Health
• Scholar-in-residence, Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University
• Teacher, Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University)
• Founding member, Association of Adventist Forums (now Adventist Forum)
• Co-founder and editor, Spectrum Magazine
• Founder, Center for Law and Public Policy at Washington Adventist University
• Founder, Interfaith Coalition Against Tobacco
• President, The Adventist Society for Religious Studies

Branson was one of the first to integrate, and perhaps transform, Adventist theology by bringing a strong emphasis on social justice and religious ethics into the discussion, literally carrying his faith into the field when he felt the need to take a stand.

“He marched against racism with Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Joshua Heschel and many others at Selma (Alabama) 50 years ago this spring,” Larson says, adding that Branson also protested the exclusion of women from the ministry by organizing the first ordination service for women elders at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, in 1973, and for women pastors in 1995.

In discussing Branson’s contributions to Adventist theology, Larson lists Adventist studies, a theology of Sabbath and the second coming, apocalyptic literature and ethics, the secularization of medicine and the theology of joy as major areas of interest.

"Despite his many other contributions,” Larson concludes, “the countless number of people all around the world, in socially high places and low, who counted Roy as among their very closest friends will be his greatest legacy."

In 1967, former LLU librarian Alice Gregg introduced Branson to a third-year medical student and the two became fast friends. Today, Donna Carlson, MD, looks back on her friendship with Branson and articulates two contributions for which Branson often told her he would most like to be remembered. 

“In addition to his passion for social justice, he hoped his influence on Adventist theology would be a major part of his legacy,” she notes. “He believed, as I do, that he helped shift our focus from something of a theology of exclusiveness and apocalyptic gloom to one of inclusiveness and apocalyptic joy and hope.

“Branson never lost his gift for creative ideas,” Carlson continues. “Here at Loma Linda, he conceived and started the ‘Heroes of Health Care’ course and the ‘Ethics in Great Films’ series. He also worked to bring different schools together — most recently Public Health and Religion with a Sabbath school ‘Healing of the Nations’ series based on the book of Revelation — and he brought back the Provonsha lecture that now opens the Alumni Postgraduate Convention. His work in organizing and presenting fascinating Sabbath School classes at Loma Linda and Sligo is legendary.”

Born July 3, 1938, at Portland Sanitarium in Portland, Oregon, to missionary parents Ernest Lloyd (E.L.) and Ardice (Detamore) Branson, the future scholar grew up in Lebanon where his father established Middle East College. His grandfather, William Henry (W.H.) Branson, was president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from 1950 to 1954. Much of Branson’s childhood was spent in the Middle East in cities like Addis Ababa, Beirut and Cairo.

“When he was about 4, his mother was hired as a tutor for Emperor Haile Selassie’s two teenage daughters,” Carlson says. “She used to take Roy with her to the palace where the princesses would pick him up and kiss him; Roy didn’t like all that a bit.”

He did, however, like school. He skipped a grade, advanced at a rapid pace and finished high school at Greater New York Academy in New York City at 16.

“While living in New York, he had free run of the city,” Carlson reports. “He rode the subways to visit museums, parks and libraries; he got cheap, standing-room-only tickets to plays and concerts. His favorite haunt was the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He loved art, literature and music — particularly Mendelssohn — all his life.”

Carlson notes that Branson was deeply committed to the church that nourished him and was involved in helping spread the Adventist message from a young age.

“Roy was such a devoted member that he carried Adventist literature to give out to other passengers on the train,” she recalls. The fact that some of them may not have appreciated his zeal did not deter Branson in the least, as evidenced by an encounter with one of the greatest names in symphonic music.

“He was hanging around 57th Street, passing by the back entrance of Carnegie Hall one day when he heard the symphony,” she shares. “Finding an unlocked door, he entered a room where Arturo Toscanini was conducting a rehearsal. As soon as it was over, he went up and handed Toscanini a tract. I don’t know what Toscanini thought, but Roy felt he had fulfilled his Adventist duty.”

Branson’s natural leadership abilities revealed themselves at Atlantic Union College, where he was elected president of the student body. “He majored in English literature,” Carlson says, “and then went on to the University of Chicago where he got a master’s degree in the same subject. His thesis was on Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem ‘Parliament of Fowls,’ which was actually a romantic, political and social satire with philosophical undertones about the nature of free will.

“For Roy, Chaucer combined an interest in literature, politics and philosophy,” Carlson continues. “In fact, he always thought it was partly his work at the University of Chicago that got him into Harvard because his major professor wrote such a favorable letter supporting his application.”

In 1968, Branson successfully defended his dissertation, “Theories of Religious Pluralism and the American Founding Fathers,” and was awarded a PhD degree in religious ethics from Harvard. In the paper, Branson discussed the rift between two competing attitudes on the relationship between church and state at the beginnings of American democracy. His conclusion indicates the subtle schism between the views of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, a difference that persists to this day. Evangelicals are fundamentally Jeffersonian, while mainstream Protestants tend to agree more with Madison.

While at Harvard, Branson became interested in the plight of other Adventists in graduate school and, with enthusiastic friends there, started the Association of Adventist Forums to help them stay in touch with other Adventist graduate students and the church.  

During his years in Washington, Branson was invited at least twice to Rose Garden receptions at the White House where he met Bill and Hillary Clinton. He also testified before Congress on anti-tobacco legislation.

Aside from his passion for theology, the church, social justice, art, literature and music, Branson enjoyed one other notable long-term interest.

“It was baseball,” Carlson discloses. “He was an avid and enthusiastic Dodgers fan. It goes back to his days in New York. The family lived in Forest Hills, which is in Queens, and he became a lifelong fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, complete with a fierce antagonism for the New York Yankees.”

As news of his passing spread, numerous Branson friends and associates weighed in on the importance of his contributions to Adventist education and life.

Long-term colleague Bonnie Dwyer, MA, who currently serves as editor of Spectrum Magazine and member of the board of directors for the Charles E. Weniger Society for Excellence, points out that the society recently selected Branson as one of three honorees for the Charles Elliott Weniger Award for Excellence in Adventism, which will be conferred posthumously in February 2016.

“The society has been honoring people who have made significant contributions to Adventism for the past 40 years,” recalls Dwyer. “Like Charles Weniger, the man for whom the awards are named, Roy was an enthusiastic Adventist who embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He mentored many ethicists and journalists over the years. Among other things, he will be remembered for his pioneering role in establishing an independent press in Adventism through the creation of Spectrum.”

Jon Paulien, PhD, dean of Loma Linda University School of Religion, recalls that after Branson became associate dean in early 2008, he took the lead in accreditation visits in 2008 and 2010 and program reviews in 2010 and 2014.

“Perhaps his greatest contribution as associate dean was his formulation of the five goals that religion teachers at Loma Linda seek in every class,” Paulien observes. “These five goals have encouraged the School of Religion faculty to elevate the use of Scripture and to keep the Adventist heritage up front whenever relevant. Branson also successfully pushed us to keep in mind the importance of moral advocacy to the task of religion within society.”

Paulien portrays another side of Branson’s personality when he discusses interpersonal relationships with the people of the department.

“Branson was most beloved among the faculty and staff of the School of Religion,” he explains, “for the way he circulated around the office, expressing caring concern for everyone and listening carefully to all joys, sorrows, and family narratives. He is deeply missed.”

Calvin Thomsen, PhD, assistant professor of religion and relational studies, concurs with Paulien on Branson’s collegiality.

“Roy was best known for his powerful role in shaping Adventist intellectual life and for his prophetic voice in calling Adventists to reclaim our heritage as people who care about addressing issues of social injustice and public health,” Thomsen notes.

“But I remember him,” he continues, “as somebody who made an extra effort to connect with the people around him. Long before I came to work for the School of Religion and he had any particular reason to be interested in me, I remember ways he engaged me in deep conversation and indicated an interest in my ministry and my ideas. As a work colleague, I could see the same forces at work. He was the guy who regularly stopped by people’s offices to ask a question, indicate interest and draw out the best in us.”

In addition to his many friends around the world, Branson is survived by his nephews, Brian and Bruce Branson, sons of his late brother, Bruce Branson, MD, who chaired the department of surgery at Loma Linda University School of Medicine for many years.

Branson was laid to rest July 20 in Montecito Memorial Park, where his father, mother, brother and grandfather are interred. He once told Carlson he wanted to wake up on the morning of the Resurrection and see the people he loved so much. 

Now “Life on the Line” is back with a second season. Experience Loma Linda University Health’s mission to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ as inspiring stories come to life in your living room.

"Life on the Line” seasons 1 and 2 are scheduled to begin airing on KVCR, channel 24, on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. starting July 1. For the schedule and more information visit www.lifeontheline.tv.

Season 2 trailer:

Season 2 episode synopses

“Rough Beginning”

A newborn’s fight to survive

After an unexpected pregnancy, Janett and Gian find out their baby boy will be born with a life-threatening condition called gastroschisis, a birth defect in which the intestines are outside of the body. Without immediate medical treatment, baby Theodore’s life will be in danger as soon as he is born. Follow the journey of a beautiful family whose bond grows stronger during their biggest life challenge and the doctors and nurses who pull together with hopes of giving Theodore a future. 

“The Aftermath”

Healing the unseen trauma

In one of the worst storms on record, Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines with devastating force. More than 6,000 people died and thousands more were displaced, leaving a whole region left to face loss, hardship and depression. In the aftermath of the typhoon, an international behavioral health trauma team touches down to help those facing grief and post-traumatic stress. Journey through the eyes of Nona, a single mother of six, as she shares her story of survival, and Joward, a local pastor determined to help the people in his community.

“The Match”

The selfless act of saving a life

A childhood friendship — and Facebook — could save John Brannon’s life. While on the brink of kidney failure, John reunites with an old friend who suddenly realizes that she has the ability to save him through organ donation. Meanwhile in the same hospital, 5-year-old Chealsey Melendez is diagnosed with stage-4 cancer. Doctors harvest her own stem cells and freeze them so they can be transplanted back into her marrow at a later date, all in a desperate attempt to save her life.

“The Lost Generation”

A grandmother’s sacrifice becomes an orphan’s lifeline.

Before 1984, the life expectancy in the small African country of Lesotho was 70 years. Today it’s 40. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has ravaged the mountain kingdom, leaving scores of orphans and grandmothers to pick up the pieces of a shattered country. Instead of retirement, the elderly are facing a future of hard labor caring for their grandchildren until the day they die.

“Hidden Pain”

Sometimes real wounds lie below the surface.

With the growing pressure and stress teenagers face today, a silent epidemic is on the rise. One in five teenagers cuts or self-injures his or her body. This episode tells the story of three adolescents who strive to live life without hurting themselves and raises awareness about this destructive coping mechanism and the help that is available. 

“Footsteps of the Unknown”

Sometimes when you have nothing, hope is everything.

With overwhelming widespread poverty and disease in Ethiopia, it’s estimated that one in eight children is orphaned or abandoned. Yet in the western highlands, in a town called Gimbie, lies a hospital where nonprofit workers take these lonely children under their wings. Follow the journey of baby Bella, whose mother abandoned her at the hospital, and be inspired by the heroes who commit their lives to making the world a brighter place for these children.

Hosted by Abby Weldon, PhD, postdoctoral fellow, Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

Each department with 100 percent completion by April 30 was entered into a drawing for a treat. The winner: Central Schedistration (M9535).

"Ubuntu--Celebrating Togetherness" is a multicultural fashion show and fundraiser for SOHO (Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach), which will use the funds toward the construction and development of orphanages in Swaziland communities deeply affected by HIV/AIDS.

The program will include fellowship, prizes, food, live performances and a fashion show.

Tickets can be purchased online for $10 at ubuntushow.eventbrite.com ($15 at the door). The program at Councilors Student Pavilion begins at 8 p.m.

Loma Linda University Health also offers a variety of Living Whole wellness services to employees, such as programs to help lose weight, stop smoking and manage diabetes. Learn about the health plans and these wellness benefits at a new website that puts all the information in one place. Visit myllu.llu.edu/livingwhole, where you will also find healthy recipes, educational videos, individualized learning modules, walking maps and wellness handouts to share with friends and family.

The website also offers the ability to sign up for cooking demonstrations, monthly Living Whole webinars and the weight and diabetes management programs.

One of the videos on the website (also embedded below) features Mark Hubbard, senior vice president for risk management and payroll, explaining how Loma Linda University Health offers superior health plans for employees.

“We are self-insured in part because we want to be able to control both our costs as well as the benefits that we provide to our employees,” Hubbard says. “Our costs have gone up very modestly over time, and in contrast to a lot of other employers, we’ve been very focused on avoiding shifting costs back to our employees. “

How so? While many other employers have systematically increased the cost of health coverage per month, Loma Linda University Health has rarely increased the price of coverage for full-time employees. Additionally, unlike with the majority of health plans, employees at Loma Linda University Health don’t pay an annual deductible — which averages about $1,200 per year at many places — before their health insurance kicks in.

Furthermore, last year Loma Linda University Health launched the Wholeness Plan to empower employees to take a greater role in managing their own health. In addition to costing less than the base plan, employees joining the Wholeness Plan also received the benefit of a comprehensive wellness check with biometric screening. This helps employees understand their own health so they can make positive steps to improve their wellness.

“This has been a great opportunity for employees to get a very comprehensive health assessment and better understand where they can invest in their own health,” Hubbard says, noting that the results are kept confidential are not used to qualify or disqualify employees from coverage.

Learn more about the benefits of health plans at Loma Linda University Health in this video, during which Hubbard is interviewed by Olivia Moses, DrPH, wellness program administrator in the department of risk management. 

The Yellow Route will be absorbed into the Red, Blue and Green routes and eliminated.

Stops at the Behavioral Health Institute, Surgical Hospital and Behavioral Medicine Center will become on-call stops where passengers must call Transportation and Fleet Services to request a ride.

Shuttles will cease operation at 9 p.m. at the Medical Center.

The White Route shuttle, which runs from outside Coleman Pavilion to Centennial Complex Lot X will also stop running at 9 p.m. Individuals who park in Lot X and who would need a shuttle after 9 p.m. should call Parking and Traffic for information on other parking arrangements.

New shuttle maps with this information will be installed at shuttle stops and on VIP.

In addition, shuttle locations can be viewed on Apple devices using the Teletrac app. To view Loma Linda University Health shuttles, use 307517 as the account ID, 1111 as the username and 1234 as the password.

Shuttles can also be viewed from any on-campus computer at http://vip.mc.llumc.edu/vip/Departments/LLUHS-Departments/Transportation-and-Fleet-Services/Transportation/Teletrac-Shuttle-Tracking/Index.page.

For more information, call Transportation and Fleet Services at 909-651-3020 or ext. 53020; or email transportationservices@llu.edu.

Hosted by Penelope Duerksen-Hughes, PhD, associate dean, basic science and translational research, division of biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Dr. Smith is an assistant professor of environmental health and a member of the Center for Community Resilience in the School of Public Health, as well as an assistant professor of preventive medicine in the School of Medicine.

"It is a great honor to have been elected to this position by my peers and to further the goals of the OPHSS in the SOT as well as to all outside partners concerned with improving public and occupational health," Dr. Smith said. "I look forward, as well, to enhancing student engagement in the study and practice of toxicology as it is fundamental to advancing these goals."

Dr. Smith's position is a four-year appointment where he will serve for one year each as vice president-elect, then as vice president, as president and finally as outgoing president/councilor. His roles will have him work closely with the executive committee and the 2016 annual meeting program committee.

"One significant aspect of my work with the program committee will be looking for opportunities to engage other specialties in toxicology and public/occupational health that will serve to broaden areas of research and practice," Dr. Smith said. "Many times we overlook significant opportunities for integrative and translational study because of narrowly focused goals. I will be particularly looking for ways to extend basic research in toxicology and exposure science that can have impacts on the public we serve."

The Society of Toxicology is a professional and scholarly organization composed of individuals from academic institutions, government and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the U.S. and internationally. With over 8,000 members worldwide, the SOT has a strong commitment to education in toxicology and to the recruitment and support of students into the profession.

The Occupational and Public Health Specialty Section, one of 27 specialty sections within the Society of Toxicology, has over 400 members, ranging from toxicologists, epidemiologists, educators and other occupational and public health specialists employed by a variety of organizations. The stated mission of the OPHSS is "To advance the integration of exposure, toxicological and epidemiological principles and research approaches in addressing occupational, environmentally-related and public health issues."

YouthHope's objectives are to "build confidence and promote self-sufficiency for homeless, runaway and underserved youth ages 14-24 by providing trust, hope, support and education."

On Feb. 12, the SPHSA raised over $1,000 at its annual Path(ology) of Love social event. Roughly 400 attendees were able to socialize; participate in games, face painting, food, speed dating, a date auction and live music; and contribute funds to a good cause.

The SPHSA also collaborated with the schools of Dentistry and Nursing to organize and host a Winter Quarter community event encouraging students and community members to donate new or slightly used clothing for youth. After three weeks, over 1,000 articles of clothing and shoes were donated.

"While I was sorting out the donations, it was evident that some students were thinking of the youth that would be receiving the donations and not just in cleaning up their closet," said Noemi Avalos, SPHSA community vice-president. "They added bracelets, perfumes or other appealing complementary items to go with the outfits they had donated. That made me almost want to cry."

Following the end of the clothing drive, SPHSA hosted a homeless youth forum. The program included a panel of experts in the field: Brenda Dowdy, homeless education program specialist with the office of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Daniel Handysides, an assistant professor with the School of Public Health; Dolores Dickson, a community health worker with the Family Assistance Program; and Heidi Mayer, executive director of YouthHope.

The panel's discussion focused on raising awareness about the scope of youth homelessness in San Bernardino, as well as its causes and possible ways to alleviate the problem.

On April 8, SPHSA, in collaboration with San Bernardino County and local nonprofit organizations, will participate in administering a survey to help identify homeless youth in San Bernardino County.

For more information about Mr. Drachenberg, see the memo below.

To better gauge the needs of the community, the project is soliciting opinions from Loma Linda University faculty, staff and students, as well as the general Loma Linda community--cyclists and non-cyclists alike.

Please complete the survey at llu.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cTri1fU8YwSAqLX.

For more information, see the attachment below.

Prospective participants must be between 25 and 44 and currently not engaging in regular physical activity.

In addition, participants will be asked to commit to a six-month period, during which they will come to the Drayson Center for eight data-collection appointments. (Evening and weekend appointments available.)

This study has been approved by the Loma Linda University IRB (5140203) and the University of Bath Ethics Committee. La Sierra University IRB has permitted recruitment on campus and allowed Loma Linda University and the University of Bath to serve as guarantors.

For more information about the study, visit phdresearch2014.webs.com/info-screening, email phd.research.2014@gmail.com or call 951-785-2293.

S (Situation)

As an enhanced service to all staff, the Compliance department now provides an online option to quickly and conveniently contact our office to request consults, training, and report concerns. Staff may submit online requests or reports of concern 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7).

B (Background)

The Compliance department continuously strives to enhance its processes and in this effort, we will be providing additional communication options for LLUH staff to contact us via the Intranet. LLUH staff may still contact Compliance directly via telephone or email during standard business hours or utilize the existing Compliance Hotline for anonymous reporting 24/7.

A (Assessment)

Effective immediately, the following online forms for contacting the Compliance department are available via the Intranet: (1) Request for consults (2) Request for training and (3) Reporting of compliance concerns, e.g. privacy concerns, conflict of interest concerns, EMTALA concerns, Stark concerns, etc.

These online forms are easily accessible via the link below and can be submitted to the Compliance department 24/7. For anonymous reporting, staff have the option to either call the Compliance Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-249-9953 or to submit the report through a newly available online method hosted through our third party vendor's secure online portal also available 24/7.

R (Recommendation)

Visit the Compliance web page on the Intranet to access the new online forms:

• VIP Intranet: http://vip.mc.llumc.edu/vip/Departments/LLUHS-Departments/Compliance/Submit-a-Request-or-Report-a-Concern/Index.page.
• Murrieta Home Page: Available in the following locations: Express Menu, Employee Services, and on the Quick Link Buttons on the landing page under, "Compliance Concern/Question."

Questions? Please contact 909-651-4200 or ext. 14200, or submit your question online by using the "Question or Request for Consultation" form at the above link.

This year's Christmas Fiesta took place Saturday, Dec. 6, at the SACHS Norton Clinic, bringing together 332 kids and 237 volunteers.

Families from the Inland Empire enjoyed music performed by the children participating in the CKC Music program, and a skit of the Nativity story performed by the Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. Together with their big buddy volunteers, children were able to experience arts and crafts, play games and take photos with Santa. And, thanks to a generous last minute donation from a volunteer, every child took home a gift at the end of the event.

Loma Linda University student volunteers were joined by others from Azure Hills Church, Grand Terrace High School, La Sierra University, Highland Seventh-day Adventist Spanish Church, Loma Linda University Seventh-day Adventist Spanish Church and SACHS Norton Clinic.

The Sunday, Nov. 2, event highlighted career options available from the School of Allied Health Professions and the School of Public Health.

Among the programs highlighted was the emergency medical services program. Five EMS students created an intricate, hands-on emergency scenario to give visiting students a first-hand experience.

Divided into five groups, the high school students were tasked with triaging patients--EMS students in makeup and prosthetics simulating wounds suffered in a car accident.

Other programs highlighted were the clinical lab science program, which provided an imitation mononucleosis laboratory test, and the radiation technology program, which shared the history of the profession and medical images.

The School of Public Health focused on the nutrition, epidemiology, global health and health policy programs, giving visiting students some background to the profession. Visiting students were challenged to identify and control a cholera outbreak in an interactive case study.

After learning about career opportunities, the high school students engaged in an hour of speed mentoring with current LLU students, who provided advice about college and shared personal stories about struggles and success.

The My Campus: Minority Youth in the Health Professions program targets local minority high school students. Students have an opportunity to connect with mentors who serve as inspirations to pursue college education and to enter the health professions. The overarching goal of the program is to reduce racial and ethnic disparities within the health care field.

For more information about the My Campus program, contact the CAPS office at caps@llu.edu or call 909-651-5011.

Never look directly at the sun. View the eclipse safely by using proper protective equipment or by following the techniques described.

In Southern California, the event will begin at 2:08 p.m., with the midpoint at 3:28 p.m., and the eclipse ending at 4:40 p.m. At midpoint, 34 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.

To view the eclipse safely, make a pinhole projector. With a pin or the tip of a sharp pencil, poke a small hole in a piece of thick paper and face it toward the sun. Hold a second piece of paper three or four feet away, adjusting the papers until you can see an image of the eclipsed sun projected from the pinhole onto the second piece of paper. Do not look directly at the sun; look at the projected image only.

Depending on your location, you may be able to see a similar effect in the shadows of tree leaves.

The only way to directly view the eclipse is to use #13 or #14 arc-welders glass or to purchase eclipse glasses made for solar viewing specifically. Other materials, including lower-numbered welders glass, are not safe. Read more about solar filters at Sky & Telescope's solar filter safety page.

For more information about the eclipse, visit Sky & Telescope's description of the event.

The event is an opportunity for the community to come together to remember victims of domestic violence: to stand for those who have lost their lives; to stand for those who fear to speak; to stand for the children who experience domestic violence. It is a celebration of the strength and courage of survivors.

The event will include music, a brief sharing, and a candlelit walk up the Centennial Pathway.

Meet at the "Who Touched Me?" statue outside the Centennial Complex at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call Heather Javaherian-Dysinger at 909-558-4628 or email her at hjavaherian@llu.edu.

The film's ethical questions are timely: In "Contagion," a lethal airborne virus threatens the world. There are challenges containing the outbreak and ethical dilemmas that demand difficult and provocative measures.

Following the Wednesday screening, Dr. Richard Hart will report on the latest Adventist involvement with the Ebola crisis.

Both screenings will be held in Centennial Complex room 3113 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"The concept of gamification has shown potential for increasing user engagement, user activity, user productivity and social interactions; however, many gamefully designed activity tools have not been properly evaluated," the study screening website states. The researchers will explore novel and effective ways for people to become more motivated to exercise.

The project is led by Ernesto Medina, Dr.P.H., executive director of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Disease Prevention; and by Dominique Wakefield, M.A., CPT, CWP, a doctoral candidate at the University of Bath and an assistant professor at La Sierra University. Co-investigators include researchers from Northeastern University (Boston) and the University of Bath.

"I'm excited about this research because when I used to work in the clinical setting...I would get asked all the time what digital tools were effective and based on sound theory and research, and sadly, there wasn’t a lot of evidence showing that these tools really worked," Dr. Medina said. "We hope our research will give this kind of information that both health care professionals and the public can use to make informed decisions."

The study is IRB-approved by all three institutions, and the investigators are looking for participants that meet certain criteria as listed on the study website.

For more information about the study, visit phdresearch2014.webs.com/info-screening.

Hosted by Andre Obenaus, Ph.D., associate professor, departments of pediatrics and basic sciences.

Text LLUHealthAppt to 622622 to receive a confirmation from TeleVox, our text message provider.

Standard text messages rates will apply. There is no charge from LLUH or TeleVox to join the program, but any carrier charges are the responsibility of the recipient per the terms of the service contract.

The new website is also a reflection of the school's new organization: On Jan. 1, the school changed from six departments to three academic centers.

As the school settles into its new structure, the new website will continue growing and improving.

To offer comments or general feedback, or to ask questions, email sphcommunications@llu.edu.

More than 300 children visited the information booth to learn about drug safety through interactive and tactile games prepared by pharmacy students.

In a game called Is This Candy or Medicine?, chewable fiber gummies that look like candy were interspersed with real candy. Although the game designers expected that many children would be tricked into thinking the medicine was candy, many adults made the same mistake. When the adults discovered their error, they looked surprised, but no one laughed.

"Having the opportunity to teach children was precious, and we were glad that we prepared these games. At the end, the children got their Medication Safety Patrol badges and Poison Control stickers, and they promised that they will take their medications in a safe way," said Mihiko Okawara, pharmacy student.

"It made us happy to know that the children, who we named 'Medication Safety Patrol Officers,' will walk away knowing how to take their medication correction as well as be able to help their friends with this important information."

Narrated by host journalist Lisa Ling and produced by the award-winning team at Advancement Films, "Life on the Line" follows courageous individuals--from a newborn fighting heart disease to a young survivor of the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

The six-episode series will feature

• "Heart to Heart" tells the story of a family whose newborn desperately needs a heart transplant to survive;
• "Out of the Rubble" captures the life an eight-year-old Haitian boy who was trapped under rubble for three days;
• "End It Now" follows three child-abuse victims as they learn to move beyond the trauma and live their lives to the fullest;
• "Baby Blue" shows how doctors on opposite sides of the globe collaborate to save Egyptian babies born with congenital heart disease;
• "Armed for the Challenge" features an athlete who sets out to prove that disability doesn't mean inability; and
• "Anchoring Hope" features a medical boat from Loma Linda University providing much-needed health care services to people living in the underserved Amazon jungle.

In addition to being broadcast on KVCR, "Life on the Line" will air on public television stations nationwide this summer.

For a full program schedule, episode previews and more information about the show, visit lifeontheline.tv.

There are two plan options: the enhanced version of the current medical plan is now referred to as the Wholeness Plan or enroll in the Base Plan. Although the Base Plan provides comprehensive coverage, it also includes higher co-payments and an increase in the amount of monthly medical plan contributions.

There are no requirements to participate in the Base Plan other than completing the enrollment process during open enrollment (April 15-May 15).

However, to be eligible for the Wholeness Plan, each employee (and covered spouse) must complete the following:

1. complete an online health risk assessment (HRA),
2. complete a biometric screening, and
3. as appropriate, accept an invitation to personalized health coaching or care management services.

Employees and spouses are encouraged to schedule their biometric screening appointments early for the best scheduling flexibility. In addition to screenings during regular work hours, appointments are also available on Sundays and early mornings and evenings.

The deadline to complete biometric screenings and HRA is May 30. However, due to increased demands for appointments, additional dates and times have been added (June 2, 3 and 4).

Enroll and sign up for your biometric screening today!

Additional information--including step-by-step guides, maps and consent forms--is available at peopleportal.llu.edu or myllu.llu.edu.

During the program, the resident will earn a teaching certificate and rotate through various LLU-based clinical sites and five independent Pacific Pharmacy Group pharmacies.

Dr. Billy Hughes, dean of the School of Pharmacy, explained the genesis of the new program: "In the ACPE exit interview (October 2012) the visiting team suggested that more emphasis be placed on community pharmacy opportunities, including residencies."

The new residency program has been made possible through a gift of $70,000 from Pacific Pharmacy Group (PPG). PPG, based in Southern California, is an independent pharmaceutical group whose members have cumulatively served the community for over 165 years. The group places a strong emphasis on bringing pharmacists and other health care providers together to better serve their communities.

Dr. Gerard Rivera, a graduate of the class of 2011, will serve as the residency coordinator for the PGY1 community pharmacy residency. Dr. Rivera was named director of pharmacy of PPG in November 2013 after serving as a pharmacist in charge at Newport Lido Pharmacy (one of PPG's independent pharmacies) for over a year. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Rivera was named Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy 2014 Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Rivera is credited with the introduction of PPG to the School of Pharmacy and the formation of this residency. "With the help of Dr. Naomi Florea, I connected my company, Pacific Pharmacy Group, with Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System. After discussing the benefits of this collaboration, PPG decided to fund the entire residency."

Dr. Norm Hamada, director of clinical pharmacy services at Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center, will serve as the program director.

"This will be a program that will benefit both the resident and the program coordinators. The resident will be in a better position to manage an outpatient operation upon completion of the program and, at the same time, will help develop new programs at rotation sites. This will be a unique opportunity for a resident to experience many different outpatient practice settings as well as academic settings," Dr. Hamada said.

Conducted by Frank Fetta, the symphony will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” and Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3.” Guest piano soloist Norman Krieger will perform during the latter. 

A native of Los Angeles and trained at the Julliard School, Krieger regularly performs with major orchestras throughout North America. He has also been appeared as a guest soloist with orchestras in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Turkey, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

The performance will take place on the campus mall between Prince Hall and the Loma Linda University Church. Chairs will be available on a first-come first-served basis. It is suggested that guests bring a blanket to sit on.

The concert is free and open to the public. Picnics are welcome, and vendors will be on site offering food and drinks.

Dr. Patrick, a native of Queens, N.Y., completed her undergraduate studies at Oakwood University and graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2013 with doctorates in medicine and biochemistry.

At the time of her death, Dr. Patrick was a first-year resident in psychiatry at Western Michigan University School of Medicine.

Dr. Patrick is survived by her parents, Mattahais and Irene Patrick, and siblings, Matthias and Tenesha.

A memorial serivce will be held at Monday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Loma Linda University Church sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Dr. Strutz was well known for his role at Loma Linda University, Riverside--now La Sierra University--where he served as chair of the department of psychology for 17 years, beginning in 1965. In an era when "things psychological were not popular and often suspect," he developed the first psychology major and the first department of psychology in the Seventh-day Adventist educational system.

As a further enrichment to his understanding of the behavioral health sciences, Dr. Strutz also became a California-licensed marriage and family therapist in 1968. He invested tremendous time and effort to begin a master's degree program in family therapy, a program which later became a graduate department and transferred to Loma Linda University's Loma Linda campus.

In 1993, although retired, Dr. Strutz advocated and engaged local professionals and faculty to work with Loma Linda University to found the master's degree program in social work. One year later, he would use this same talent for advocacy and networking to spark the development of the department of psychology at Loma Linda University.

Dr. Strutz had been recuperating successfully from an angioplasty procedure for aortic valve stenosis. He died unexpectedly March 21 near his home in Fallbrook, Calif., after a short walk.

Dr. Strutz is survived by his children Judy Strutz-Vanderwerff, D.D.S. and her husband, Jon Vanderwerff, Ph.D.; Peter D. Strutz, M.D. and his wife, Jenni Strutz; grandchildren Jack, Catherine and Annie; and siblings Walter Strutz, M.D., and Mary Rowland.

A memorial service for Dr. Peter Strutz will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 6, in the Loma Linda University Church sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Currently employees must update emergency contact information in both PeoplePortal and myLLU. The transition to PeoplePortal only will simplify updates, as well as eliminate mismatched or contradictory information, ensuring employees receive prompt communication in the event of a campus emergency.

Physicians, volunteers and students are unaffected by this change. Physicians and volunteers will continue to update their information in myLLU. Students will still use Banner Self Service.

With a drill scheduled for Monday, March 31, all employees should verify and update their emergency contact information, as well as check all other personal data in PeoplePortal is accurate.

See the guide below for instructions on how to check your information in PeoplePortal.

After the switchover to PeoplePortal, employees will be unable to make changes to contact information in myLLU.

To reset a PeoplePortal password, contact the appropriate helpdesk/service desk for assistance:

• LLU Helpdesk, ext. 48611
• MC Service desk, ext. 48889

For more information, call Human Resources IS at ext. 14114 or email peoplesoftsupport@llu.edu. HRIS hours are 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. Friday.

Copies are available at the LLU Bookstore and the LLUMC Gift Shop. All LLUH faculty and staff who show their ID badges will receive a 10 percent discount on the books. The books may also be ordered--in paperback, hardback and Kindle--from Amazon.com.

For more information, visit llu.edu/evening-rounds.

A compilation of 365 stories written by students, alumni, faculty and friends of the School of Medicine, "Evening Rounds" commemorates 100 years since the graduation of the School of Medicine's first class and the close of its 5-year Centennial Celebration (2009-2014).

Paperback copies of the both books are available at the LLU Bookstore and LLUMC Gift Shop. All LLUH faculty and staff who show their ID badges will receive a 10 percent discount on the books. The books may also be ordered--in paperback, hardback and soon Kindle format--from Amazon.com.

The following story by Scott Nelson, M.D., from the department of orthopaedic surgery, appears as the January 12 entry of Evening Rounds.

For more information, visit llu.edu/evening-rounds.

With more than 500 students comprising the graduating class of 2014 from the school's more than 50 programs, the event on Tuesday, Dec. 3, brought together students, faculty, staff and families together to celebrate.

Dr. Craig Jackson, dean of the school, and Dr. Joshua Cacho, a recent graduate of the school's D.P.T. program, delivered remarks.

Although most students will not graduate until spring 2014, the event was held during Fall Quarter to allow as many students to participate as possible (many students will be off campus for clinical rotations Winter and Spring quarters)--and to give the students something cozy to wear throughout the winter.

To prepare for the move, the current office location at 125 E. Club Center Drive in San Bernardino will be closed Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20. The San Bernardino office will remain the Transportation Department, but the lobby will be closed.

For more information about the Parking Department, call 909-651-3025 or ext. 53025.

The Cultural Pluralism Award recognizes "either an individual member or a department at a member institution involved in furthering the principle of cultural pluralism in the academic setting by demonstrating leadership in promoting it."

The School of Alllied Health Professions began a rehab technician training program in Haiti, graduating the program's first class in September 2013. Based at Loma Linda University's sister hospital and university Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti and Universite Adventiste d'Haiti, the program is designed to fill a major gap in the country's medical infrastructure, which boasts just a few Haitian physical therapists and zero Haitian occupational therapists. This is for a country that, even before the earthquake, had an estimated 10 percent of its population disabled--a percentage that has grown.

"I was surprised tonight to receive this award based on the diversity of our student body's religion and countries representation; and our work in Haiti," wrote Dr. Jackson in an email to staff. "All of this, especially Haiti, is the result of exceptional faculty commitment and dedication to the mission of SAHP and LLU and demonstrated by Dr. Lohman."

"I am honored to receive this award on their behalf," wrote Dr. Jackson.

The importance of education to the individual is inestimable, and the effects on society are similarly immense. Education contributes to a nation's economic stability by increasing the income of the poor. Indeed, research has shown that no country has continual reliable economic growth without a significant national literacy rate. And beyond economic stability, education promotes civil and international peace, as well as cultural tolerance and understanding.

A panel discussion will follow the screening, exploring the implications for health care professionals interacting with parents and communities whose adolescent girls pursue education and face issues like HIV, child labor, trafficking, early marriage, natural disasters, gender violence, conflict and insufficient access to health care.

The screening will be held from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Councilors Student Pavilion and is sponsored by the Campus Chaplains, the School of Public Health, the School of Behavioral Health, the Domestic Violence Task Force and the Human Trafficking Task Force. This event is the first in a series planned by the chaplains providing opportunities for students and employees to participate in local, national and international service.

Dr. Greek, director of chaplain services for Loma Linda University Medical Center, has a deep love for people and the stories they have to tell about life. Much of his life has been spent listening to the pain, hopes and wisdom of everyday people.

During the workshop, individuals representing different phases of life will share what they have learned about living:

• We will hear about trust and resilience through the stories of individuals who live with hope while facing life-threatening health crises, the loss of loved ones, and other uncertainties of life.
• A couple will share one thing they wish they could do over again.
• An attorney will tell what it means to deal with the dark side of life without becoming dark.
• A competitive swimmer will describe what it means to live life to its fullest in spite of getting older.

This workshop will be held in the Centennial Complex Damazo Amphitheater from 5 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Email meals@llu.edu by 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, to reserve a light meal following the workshop.

For more information, call the Portfolio Department at 909-558-1000, ext. 83378.

Dr. Taylor, who earned his Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute, is a world-renowned scholar in the study of the Septuagint, the Hebrew scriptures translated into Greek. He will explore, among other things, the significance of the book of Jude quoting from the book of Enoch, which is not a part of the biblical canon. The conclusion of the book of Jude is one of the most magnificent benedictions, repeated in Christian church services for over two thousand years: "Now, to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

The Roy Branson and Friends Sabbath School class meets from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., every Sabbath, in Centennial Complex room 3111.

Accreditation Statement: The Loma Linda University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Loma Linda University School of Medicine designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Disclosure Statement: This program has been planned and implemented in accordance with ACCME essentials and standards. The Loma Linda University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education relies on its CME faculty to provide program content that is free of commercial bias. Therefore, in accordance with ACCME standards, any faculty and/or provider industry relationships will be disclosed and resolved.

CrossTraining, a ministry of the Loma Linda University Campus Chaplains, seeks to minister to the spiritual needs of the men of LLU. Through the study of the Word, through fellowship and service, CrossTraining will help men build relationships with each other, and help them strengthen their relationships with Christ.

Join CrossTraining for men's Bible study, men's D-Groups and other events throughout the year.

Jael Amador, formerly coordinator of events and student outreach, is leaving Campus Ministries to devote her time to her doctorate studies and takes with her prayers and best wishes as she forges ahead on her goals. Ms. Amador will help out with her particular expertise from time to time as needed.

Taking Ms. Amador's place is a new--and familiar--face: K.C. Hohensee.

Mr. Hohensee's ministry for ministry and building relationships began during his teenage years. During his 19 years in ministry, he has helped three young-adult church plants, including Re:Live, the young-adult ministry of the Loma Linda University Church.

Mr. Hohensee is a graduate of La Sierra University and looks forward to pursuing a master's degree in ministry. He and his wife, Natalie Hohensee, D.D.S., have been married for four years, and they expect their first child--a girl--in February.

Locations include

• Del E. Webb Library: printing/copying/vending
• Centennial snack area: vending
• Lindsay Hall: printing
• School of Allied Health Professions: student lab printing
• School of Medicine: student lounge and alumni lab
• School of Pharmacy: lab copying and printing, student lounge
• School of Public Health: lab printing in Nicole Hall and Centennial
• School of Nursing: copying
• School of Behavioral Health: Griggs lab printing, Business Center lab printing

The eAccounts system also gives users the ability to check account balances, check transaction histories, report lost or found cards and generate monthly statements.

Access eAccounts at llu.edu/eaccounts.

Featuring stories of hope and courage, Loma Linda University Health’s TV show portrays the resilience of humankind and celebrates life. Produced by Advancement Films, the show won Emmys in multiple categories at the 39th Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards on June 15. 

The winning shows

“Loma Linda 360: Beating Cancer” won an Emmy Award in the magazine program/special category. The first episode of season four, it gives viewers an inside look at the journey of cancer patients, cutting-edge proton therapy, and the celebration of survival at the annual Believe Walk event.
 
In the health/science program category, the Academy awarded “Loma Linda 360: Heart to Heart.” In this episode, the Escarcega family’s worst nightmare becomes a harrowing reality. Their newborn baby is slowly dying from congenital heart disease. Doctors tell them it’s the beginning of the end … unless a heart becomes available for transplant surgery. Will Baby David receive a heart in time? “Heart to Heart” follows Baby David’s journey and reflects on the pioneering efforts of infant heart transplantation with Baby Fae.

“End It Now: A Look Into Preventing Child Abuse” won in the public/current/community affairs category. This episode gives viewers an inside look at child abuse and the dramatic effect it has on people’s lives as they mature into adulthood.

In the human interest category, the Academy awarded the story “Who I Am.” Words can’t describe how traumatic life is after a disabling injury. This film features four PossAbilities members as they show how one’s identity isn’t about physical capabilities, but about who you are on the inside.
 
“Can You See My Pain” won the Emmy Award in the informational/instructional category. About one in five teens cuts or self-injures his or her body. This episode tells the story of three young adolescents who strive to live life without hurting themselves and raises awareness about this notorious coping mechanism.

Third year in a row

This is the show’s third year to win Emmy Awards. The last season saw Emmy wins in four categories, and season two swept its categories by taking home three Emmy Awards.

Season four of “Loma Linda 360” aired last year on the PBS affiliate KVCR and KVCR-DC as well as the CBS and ABC affiliates in the Palm Springs area. It is currently airing on Hope Channel and Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, and can be viewed online at llu.edu/360, www.youtube.com/user/LLUHealth, and vimeo.com/channels/lomalinda360.

Advancement Films is currently in production on a new TV show called “Life on the Line” that is being planned for release on PBS stations nationally.

Andrejs Galenieks is a Randall Lewis Health Policy Fellow in the M.P.H. health policy and leadership program. Since starting a fellowship with the City of Loma Linda in July 2012, he has helped design the Healthy Loma Linda initiative to make healthy, positive strives within the community.

The initial goal of Healthy Loma Linda was for the city to join the county-wide Healthy Cities Initiative. To start, Mr. Galenieks organized a workshop to kick off Healthy Loma Linda in November 2012 with a strong focus on the built environment. At the meeting, participants identified areas viewed as healthy or of concern throughout the city. They also solidified breakout groups which came up with three priorities to help drive the Healthy Loma Linda workshop series: pedestrian and bike safety, food environment, and a desire for a downtown in Loma Linda. Focus groups have since discussed these priorities further.

The first of these workshops was held in March and focused on pedestrian and bike safety, paths and connectivity.

The second workshop took place in April, entitled “Let’s Talk Food.” Loma Linda Mayor Rhodes “Dusty” Rigsby opened the session with strong backing of the initiative. Other highlights included informing and gathering community support to host a weeknight Loma Linda Farmers’ Market on the LLU campus and creating a working group to help draft policies in support of more healthy food options for Loma Linda.

The third session, scheduled for Thursday, May 23, will be focused on the vision and importance of having a downtown or a university village.

Mr. Galenieks organized all of these sessions with the help of Lizzy Foulkes, an M.P.H. in global health student; Brandon Shamim, who has been involved previously with the Healthy Communities Initiative; and Juan Carlos Belliard, Ph.D., director of Loma Linda University's Institute for Community Partnerships.

Mr. Galenieks said he is enjoying his experience working with Healthy Loma Linda and that “seeing things move forward, even if it’s slow at times, has been rewarding. It is also rewarding seeing the community come together."

He credits support from faculty, staff and fellow students for the program's success: Dora Barilla, Dr.P.H.; Renate Krause, Ph.D.; Juan Carlos Belliard, Ph.D.; and particularly Lizzy Foulkes.

Mr. Galenieks will graduate with his M.P.H. in June 2013, and he will join the Loma Linda University Health Institute for Health Policy and Leadership.

To find out more about Healthy Loma Linda, visit facebook.com/HealthyLomaLinda.

The Loma Linda University team's focus was on reducing mounting debt that exceeds $75 million dollars, improving operations and HCAHPS scores, creating a favorable payer mix, and providing accessible services to the community via a transformed outpatient clinic.

The LLU team competed against M.B.A. and M.H.A. students from University of California, Los Angeles; University of Southern California; California State University, Northridge; California State University, Long Beach; California State University, San Bernardino; and California State University, Los Angeles. In 2014, the event will be held on the campus of California State University, Northridge.

Have you wondered if you would be strong enough to meet those challenges? Faith-filled enough?

We live in a time of change: Change in the workplace, change in the community, change in relationships. What do those changes mean for the role and definition of being a man? How does God want to equip us to serve and follow him?

CrossTraining is a chance for men--students, employees, faculty and administration--to journey together and learn from each other and God's Word what his plan for men is--and to discover the strength and faith God has given.

CrossTraining meets from noon to 12:50 p.m. Tuesdays in the Councilors Student Pavilion Conference Room.

The program is designed for children whose speech is difficult to understand, but who can understand what others say to them. Children come to the University one morning per week for a one-and-a-half hour session over three academic quarters. The group therapy format provides a fun and effective way for children to learn to talk more clearly.

The cost is $20 per session. For more information, call 909-558-4998.

Parking officers will be on hand to give instructions and prevent vehicles from blocking the ramp.

If waiting for a space on the ramp, pull to the side to allow traffic to pass; traffic must not back up onto city streets.

For more information, call Parking and Traffic Services at ext. 53025 or email parkingdept@llu.edu.

“Just eight years ago,” says Mr. Garcia, “Arthur Walls, who had overseen sales of Apple computers at the Campus Store, transferred to another department. After he left, no Apple products were sold here for about two-and-a-half years.”

Then six years ago Mr. Garcia, who had worked in computer sales at University of California, Riverside, was recruited by the Loma Linda University Foundation to bring the Apple authorized store back to the campus.

Mr. Garcia is employed by the Loma Linda University Foundation, which was established to conduct nonacademic activities for the university, including managing endowment funds and other investments, real estate, and retail and service departments.

“When computers and software used in departments on our campus are purchased from our own Apple store,” he says, “it helps the foundation as it keeps profits that would otherwise have been spent off campus within our organization. These funds help support activities and work that takes place throughout our campus.”

The Apple authorized store has been designed to replicate the modern look and feel of Apple retail stores. The space features clean lines and high-tech tables displaying the latest Apple products such as Macs, iPods, and iPads (including the iPad Mini). Software is also available for purchase. “Though the LLU student body is about 80 percent smaller than University of California, Riverside,” he says, “our sales are about the same.

“I welcome all staff of Loma Linda University Health to stop by and browse,” he says. “We can order any Apple product that’s not available in the store.” In addition, if there is sufficient interest, computer classes may be offered in the future. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Anyone needing repairs to his or her Apple products may bring them to the store. Repairs are made off campus, and computers are usually returned within three or four days. The Apple authorized store partnered with the Barnes & Noble Campus Store in December 2012, and it participated in the Campus Store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and re-opening celebration on Friday, February 15.

An audience of close to 50 people witnessed as Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, wielded the scissors with a smile.

Representing Barnes & Noble were Russell Markman, vice president for campus relations, and Denise Nakakihara, regional manager. In a short address, Mr. Markman shared some of the benefits of the partnership between the two organizations.

Rodney Neal, MBA, senior vice president of finance for Loma Linda University, commented specifically on the benefits to LLU Health. The LLU Foundation will continue to oversee the Apple-authorized store within the Campus Store.

Phil Carlisle, CEO of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the Barnes & Noble Campus Store into membership and presented a plaque to that effect.

A representative of Senator Bill Emmerson presented Mr. Neal with a “Certificate of Recognition” from the California State Senate. On behalf of U.S. Congressman Gary Miller, another representative presented a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.” California Assemblyman Mike Morrell sent his congratulations through a “Certificate of Recognition” from the California State Legislature.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, those in attendance were invited to experience the new store, enjoy some refreshments, take home a give away or two, and even—perhaps—buy something.

To begin, call 909-651-4007 to make an appointment to complete a health risk assessment with the Living Whole program.

Reimbursement of commitment fees is possible at the end of six months.

For more information, see the brochure below or contact the Living Whole Employee Wellness Program at 909-651-4007.

The quarterly My Campus events are designed as a fun, interactive way to introduce minority high school students to the health professions.

The Winter 2013 edition of this program featured the School of Behavioral Health, the School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy, and it was a great educational experience for the high school student attendees, as well as a great time for all LLU student volunteers to share their knowledge and passion for the health professions.

First, the School of Behavioral Health presented information on social work and marital counseling specialties, providing games and teamwork to illustrate what these professions entail.

Then, the high school students took a trip to West Hall, where they got hands-on experience, learning wound wrapping and care, taking blood pressure and measuring reflexes in the simulation lab with the volunteers from School of Nursing.

Next up was the School of Pharmacy presentation, during which students learned about compounding medications and where they got to make their very own hand sanitizer to take home.

Thereafter, the students took part in speed mentoring with volunteers from different LLU schools, always a favorite with the high school students.

Lastly, students and volunteers feasted on haystacks while listening to the inspirational student speaker Melissa Charles, Ph.D., M.D.(c).

If opportunities like this spark your interest, contact the CAPS office at caps@llu.edu to learn how you get involved.

The Spring 2013 edition of this program will feature the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine.

Each Colleague has been trained in the art of providing truly formative support on any classroom issue about which a faculty member may have a concern.

If this program looks like something that may enhance your classroom experience, contact Colleague on the list below. They are waiting for calls or emails asking them to come, observe and talk. The Colleagues of Formative Dialogues on Teaching are ready to talk whenever they're needed.

Alternatively, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Colleague, contact Gail Rice, program director, at grice@llu.edu.

Faculty Colleague list

According to Ryan Koca, Pharm.D., clinical informatics pharmacist at Tenet Healthcare, "Residency was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made after completion of my doctor of pharmacy program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There is a whole world of opportunities out there in the profession of pharmacy and a residency program is the key to unlocking many doors. One of the best aspects of a residency is that it allows you to expand your knowledge base in a multitude of areas while still having the safety net and built-in support system of preceptors and professors."

Residencies provide opportunities that exist nowhere else and introduce residents to other healthcare professionals. In addition, pharmacists have many opportunities to become valuable members of a multi-disciplinary medical team during residency and to experience a broad exposure to health care concerns, as well as sharpening their research skills.

For Norm Hamada, Pharm.D., pharmacy residency director at Loma Linda University Medical Center, taking a residency offered him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

"The residency program gave me the opportunity to work with some terrific role models who provided the groundwork to expand my clinical and leadership skills," said Dr. Hamada. "Some of my mentors were pioneers in the profession, and working alongside them offered invaluable experience and knowledge."

Assistant professor Rebecca Cheung, Pharm.D., views the research practice in her residency program as particularly valuable.

"My residency practice provided me with the knowledge required to do accurate research," said Dr. Cheung, "which later opened a door to a fellowship program. Both of these opportunities provided useful clinical experience across the spectrum of medical professions by allowing me to work alongside many leading experts in health care."

Professor Javad Tafreshi, Pharm.D., BCPS (AQ Cardiology), FAHA, cites the residency as a new requirement for multiple pharmacy positions.

"Recent trends in the pharmacy profession have seen more demands for pharmacists with additional training and experience over and above the Pharm.D. degree," said Dr. Tafreshi. "The profession has changed substantially in the last decade or so. Years ago, the Pharm.D. was recommended, but not required; now it is a basic requirement. Today, we are seeing more and more positions where both general and specialty residencies are required, along with the Pharm.D. degree."

To meet the demands of the changing professional requirements in the pharmacy profession, Loma Linda University remains committed to an active and growing pharmacy residency program that is both patient-centered and clinically based, and offered in partnership with Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Loma Linda University Medical Center pharmacy residency programs began in 1995 with just one first-year general practice resident. Since then, a total of 45 post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) and 8 post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residents have completed residencies. In 2008, the Medical Center and University combined resources and now jointly support nine PGY1 residents and four PGY2 residents.

With the partnership that now exists between Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center, the residency programs can offer pharmacists many broad opportunities for growth. Pharmacy residencies currently include a teaching certificate, hospital practice rotation and opportunities to study pharmacy administration, medical intensive care and several other specialty areas.

PGY2 experiences are available in pharmacy administration, oncology, pediatrics, critical care, cardiology and an infectious disease fellowship. Future residency growth opportunities include PGY2 positions in transplant and clinical informatics.

According to LaDonna Oelschlaeger, Pharm.D., residency academic coordinator and assistant professor of internal medicine, the residency program offers a unique tailored experience with many opportunities to gain clinical practice in a variety of specialized and subspecialized areas of pharmacy.

"The teaching certificate program, elective academic rotations and mission opportunities, provide each and every pharmacy resident the opportunity to experience their personal goals while enhancing the overall mission of our institution," said Dr. Oelschlaeger.

The pharmacy residency program is dedicated to training future leaders within the profession in the areas of hospital practice and academia. The partnership between Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy has created a synergistic environment that will grow and evolve, and continue each institution's commitment to excellence.

Titled the Partners-in-D program, the community service originally began in 2007 with a three year grant by the Amgen Foundation. Through the outreach, the School of Pharmacy was able to guide hundreds of seniors through the complicated Medicare Part D drug prescription plans, at times saving seniors over $2,000 a year in drug costs.

According to Joycelyn Yamzon, Pharm.D., principal investigator for the Amgen Foundation grant since 2008, the School of Pharmacy had such a good relationship with the staff and seniors at the centers that Telacu administrators asked for the School to return even after the grant dollars ended.

“The experience provides great teachable moments for our pharmacy students by taking the school into the local community," Dr. Yamzon said. "More importantly, the outreach assists many seniors with important cost-saving Medicare Part D drug plans, and we are also able to provide valuable drug information to seniors who often have many questions. It actually never occurred to us that this community service would end. The Telacu Partners-in-D service will remain as a teaching activity for our pharmacy students and as a service to the underserved senior community."

Telacu lead social services coordinator Elizabeth Flores is emphatic with the value of the School of Pharmacy’s Partners-in-D community service for local seniors.

“Overall, the Partners-in-D workshops have been very beneficial to our residents for many reasons," Ms. Flores said. "Seniors get opportunities each year to meet with students and professors from the LLU School of Pharmacy to update this very important enrollment process. Seniors get their medications reviewed, explained, and other questions are answered. Also, many seniors get additional health information and are often referred back to their family practitioner on the advise of the pharmacists.

“Speaking on behalf of the seniors, they always state that without the help of the School of Pharmacy students and teachers they would be lost with the Medicare Part D enrollment process. Seniors also love the attention and the visits by the young students, and the Partners-in-D community service has become something we all look forward to every November,” said Ms. Flores.

This story was originally published on the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy Web site, pharmacy.llu.edu.

Led by Jan Nick, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Nursing, 15 students and faculty members representing the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Public Health and School of Behavioral Health traveled to Cameroon to participate in the health fair. Bill Colwell, development director of Buea Health Center, and his wife, Trixy Franke, M.D., medical director and Deferred Mission Appointee (DMA), hosted the SIMS team.

After the team’s departure, Dr. Franke posted a summary of the students' activities on the hospital blog. Read the summary at billntrixy.blogspot.com/2013/01/sims-health-fair-dec-2012.html.

Jim Banta, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Public Health's department of health policy and management, was the lead author on the article entitled "Race/Ethnicity, Parent-Identified Emotional Difficulties, and Mental Health Visits Among California Children" in the "Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research." Dr. Banta collaborated with other authors from the Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and from UCLA.

A link to the full article is available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23070565.

The training event on Oct. 10 was part of Loma Linda University School of Public Health’s Ventanilla de Salud ("Little Window of Health") health education program at the San Bernardino Mexican Consulate and corresponded with the 12th annual Binational Health Week.

Richard Blanco, M.B.A., coordinator of the Ventanilla de Salud, and Xochitl Alicia Torres, M.P.H., student intern at the Ventanilla de Salud, worked with Claudia Doyle from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to train approximately 150 participants.

The training included information about how to plan, respond, and recover from the most common emergencies and disasters in Southern California. Participants not only received health education, but some also received starter emergency kits. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program gave out flyers with information about local clinics that offer free flu vaccines.

The emergency preparedness and response training was the result of a survey created by Loma Linda University students who work at the Ventanilla de Salud. Many of those who were surveyed indicated interest in emergency preparedness training.

For information about the Ventanilla de Salud, please call 909-381-7616 or visit ventanillas.org/index.php/en/component/services/?view=description&id=58.

The event hosted over 240 children from San Bernardino at the SACHS Norton Clinic who were partnered with a volunteer "big buddy" and made the rounds of the Christmas Village.

Activities included face painting, cookie decorating and candy-cane-reindeer making, as well as a petting zoo, bean bag toss games, caricature drawings, and a photo with Santa.

Parents were also treated to goodie bags and activities by the Azure Hills Church.

At the end of the event, each participating child received a Christmas gift donated by volunteers and local organizations. And, thanks to the generosity of donors, CAPS again received a surplus of gifts, which were donated to various local organizations to help spread the good cheer.

Over 290 volunteers from Loma Linda University, local churches and organizations made the event a success.

For more information about CAPS and other community outreach programs, visit the CAPS Web site at llu.edu/caps or email caps@llu.edu.

As part of this effort, Healthy Loma Linda will host the first community visioning workshop Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Among Healthy Loma Linda's goals are to discuss past and current city efforts targeting health and quality of life; the opportunities, difficulties and successes that the community and others in the region experience today; the areas that can be challenged and improved; and the unique opportunities specific to Loma Linda that can drive the community to the forefront of Health Communities.

The first workshop will address the health of the community, the environment on campus and city-wide, and how to retain and elevate the quality of life locally and throughout the region.

Input from residents, students and the community at large is vital and all are invited to attend the workshop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Loma Linda City Hall community room.

For more information about the workshop, email Andrejs Galenieks at agalenieks@lomalinda-ca.gov.

For several years, many students, faculty and staff from the school have participated in Redlands Market Night. Under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, students operate an information booth where the community can seek advice on medications or obtain other general drug and health information.

According to Brittanya Limone, class of 2015, Market Night is much more than setting up a booth and waiting for questions.

“Health is often not a very popular topic, especially with many of the local residents out for a leisurely walk among the market booths. Often, students must bravely approach passersby to ask if they would be interested in learning more about their health. Most often people are very receptive to any information and service we may offer,” Ms. Limone said.

Giana Hasley, class of 2016, said that Market Night is an example of a key component of the University’s mission.

“The University’s mission is to sustain a culture of service, and I am looking forward to serving the underserved at Market Night using the education and training I am receiving here at Loma Linda University. At Market Night, we are putting learning into service, one life at a time,” Ms. Hasley said.

Students also have drug and health materials on hand for those seeking additional information on myriad health topics--and often this information disappears quickly.

Redlands Market Night is held Thursdays year-round (holidays excepted) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Redlands.

Season four of the seven-time Emmy Award-winning television show begins Monday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. on local PBS affiliate KVCR Channel 24.

For more information about "Loma Linda 360," visit lomalinda360.com.

For the school, the move into a modernized Shryock Hall fulfills a goal articulated by Dr. W. William Hughes, dean of the school, to relocate the school into a space that would reduce the school's footprint and consolidate academic operations in three adjacent buildings: the Centennial Complex, Evans Hall and Shryock Hall.

Plans for the move began in the winter of 2011 with an architectural evaluation and design with the aim to preserve the historical appearance of both exterior and interior features of the building constructed in 1936.

The remodeled Shryock Hall features a new Shryock Amphitheater, additional room for the department of experiential education, a student lounge and student collaboration center, as well as a floor plan that promotes comfort, convenience and services.

Plans for an open house are under way and at that time the campus family will be invited to tour the new facilities.

Dr. Thomas took some general shots, and then moved in closer, focusing on her feet. Both feet were severely swollen and disfigured from a disease known as podo (short for podoconiosis). They were barely recognizable as feet, aside from their anatomical location. He crouched for a better look.

More than three dozen photos later, Dr. Thomas stood to his feet. He wasn't sure exactly what to tell the woman, who had a quizzical expression on her face.

She had clearly concluded that he wanted more than just a tourist's snapshot of an Ethiopian woman in her natural environment.

"What should I tell her?" he remembered wondering. "Should I simply thank her and go on my way?" It was an awkward moment that motivated Dr. Thomas to seriously research this disease that affects four million people in Africa--one million of whom live in Ethiopia.

This awkward moment led to an epiphany for Dr. Thomas. "I realized that I wanted to do something about podo," he said. "I wasn't sure exactly what it would be, but there had to be something I could do to help."

He also noticed another disturbing situation during his travels to the country. "Ethiopia has among the highest incidence of blindness per capita in the world," Dr. Thomas said. "Of those cases, it's estimated that 80 percent are treatable or preventable. Of those treatable, preventable cases, 60 percent are the result of cataracts."

But that isn't the entire tragedy. "When an adult becomes blind in Ethiopia, a family member is typically assigned to stay with the blind person during every waking hour, leading him or her by the hand," he said.

"In almost every situation I saw, the one leading the blind person was a child," Dr. Thomas said. "From the family's point of view, it makes total sense, since a child is the least useful in the sometimes desperate effort to find food during the day to feed the family."

Dr. Thomas was most bothered by the thought of the childhood that child wasn't experiencing. "The child--most often a young girl--cannot go to school, or even play with friends," he said.

This point became especially clear one day as he watched a group of laughing children run by a young girl leading her blind and elderly grandfather. She shot a momentary wistful glance at the children, quickly returning to her expressionless and hopeless gaze.

"Blindness affects an entire family, pushing them even further into poverty," Dr. Thomas said. "At that moment, I resolved to do something about this tragedy."

Dr. Thomas, who is an emergency medicine physician, has done something about it. In 2006, he founded and currently directs the Tropical Health Alliance Foundation, an organization that is not your typical medical mission outreach organization.

The criteria for considering projects to fund can be summed up best by the acronyms SPUD--simple, practical, understandable, doable--and the LPI index--lives positively impacted.

In addition to addressing the conditions of podo and bilateral cataracts, the foundation sponsors projects to treat obstetrical fistulas and uterine prolapses, protect springs in African villages, and send dental students on mission trips.

"We look for widespread public health situations in Africa that are preventable and simple to solve," he said. "Our foundation seeks to impact the largest number of people possible with the funding we provide. We focus on the beneficiary, rather than the benefactor."

Podo is a perfect example. A form of elephantiasis--but not caused by a parasite or infection--the condition results from walking barefoot on the clay soil at higher elevations in Western Ethiopia.

"Podo is not an infection," Dr. Thomas said. "It is actually caused by a fiber found in the clay soil that penetrates the skin and makes its way into the lymphatic system, causing severe inflammation, scarring, and blockage of the lymphatic channels."

It is a condition closely related to poverty, since the poorest are often more interested in their next meal than in shoes.

"The obvious answer is to provide shoes," Dr. Thomas said. "However, it's not that simple. Without education, the shoes will most likely be sold to buy food."

Though incurable, podo is treatable. Ceasing barefoot contact with the clay, improving hygiene, and pressure treatments at night can reverse the condition.

"Many individuals with podo believe that it is a communicable disease, or is caused by an evil presence, walking on coffee grounds, or even stepping in frog urine," he said. "Those afflicted with the condition often withdraw from society, much like the lepers in Bible times."

Dr. Thomas credits Dr. Gail Davey at the Brighton & Sussex Medical School, in England, with raising awareness of podo.

"Less than a decade ago, podo wasn't even included in the World Health Organization's (WHO's) list of neglected tropical diseases--or NTDs," he said. "Thanks to Dr. Davey's efforts, podo is now on WHO's radar."

To combat the problem of bilateral cataract blindness in Ethiopia, Dr. Thomas has enlisted the help of James Guzek, M.D., an ophthalmologist from the northwestern United States. Dr. Guzek has already made four trips to Ethiopia.

Dr. Thomas' foundation collaborates with the Daughters of Charity, an order of Catholic sisters, founded in France in the 17th century, dedicated to working with the "poorest of the poor." On the team's first trip to Ethiopia to perform cataract surgeries, word spread quickly through the villages and the government was needed to control the crowds.

Dr. Guzek was so dedicated to performing cataract surgery that he barely took off time to sleep--let alone tour the countryside. "Every half hour I sleep or do something else means that I leave someone blind," he told Dr. Thomas.

During their mission trips, the team selects only those patients with bilateral cataract blindness, repairing one eye to maximize the numbers helped.

More recently, the clinic hired a full-time Ethiopian ophthalmologist, with funding from the Tropical Health Alliance Foundation.

"I'm most excited about our ability to hire a full-time ophthalmologist," Dr. Thomas said. "It's nice for teams to travel on medical mission trips, but our impact on the blind population will be greatly multiplied with a full-time Ethiopian ophthalmologist on staff."

In addition, the foundation is sponsoring the training of a nurse ophthalmic surgeon who will also be able to perform cataract surgery in the near future. "Our goal is to restore one good eye to 20,000 patients with bilateral blindness."

Dr. Thomas recalls an elderly blind gentleman and his dedicated granddaughter that he met during his most recent trip to Ethiopia. She patiently led her grandfather to the clinic and waited with him most of the day for his turn to be evaluated. The next day, they returned to find out that he was a candidate for surgery.

The procedure was performed, the bandages applied, and she once again led him home. The following day, they were at the clinic for removal of the bandages. At first, the grandfather saw a bright light; then he saw his granddaughter for the first time.

The next day, she was free to return to school and play with her friends. "Her smile returned," Dr. Thomas said. "That's why I do this."

For more information about the Tropical Health Alliance Foundation and its outreach, visit www.thaf.org.

This story was originally published in the Aug. 31 edition of Today.

“The idea of working in a hospital, being able to see patients’ faces light up as they are treated, and helping those that need me is my ultimate dream,” said participant Sarah Ustrell.

The program is for African American, Latino, Native American, and underprivileged students. Together, minorities make up about 25 percent of the United States population, yet they represent less than 10 percent of health professionals. The Gateway program aims to help close that gap. It also targets teens from families who have not attended college.

“I have a passion for one day having a career in the medical field,” said Stephanie Arellano. “It’s the one thing I have always been sure about.”

Others are less sure. Participant Michael Strickland says he would encourage all teens to attend the Gateway program and take lots of notes, even if they aren’t positively interested in a health career. During graduation on June 29, several students in this category said they now plan to pursue a health career.

The curriculum not only introduces different health science careers, but it also teaches lessons on leadership, SAT preparation, study skills, and applying for financial aid in college. The students practice networking, interviewing skills, and résumé building. Additionally, 22 students stayed on for a third week to shadow professionals on the Loma Linda campus.

The program introduces participants to a variety of health professions, some of which they have never heard of before—public health ranking No. 1 in this category. But there were other new discoveries. Aubrey Perez, for example, first heard of physician assistants during the Gateway program. Daniela Salinas learned about radiation technology, which she would possibly like to pursue.

“No one in my family has graduated from college, and I aspire to be the first,” Daniela said, “not only to make my family proud, but to make myself proud and prove that I can accomplish my goals.”

She is not the only one in this position. Of the 57 participants, only two-thirds have parents who graduated from high school. More than half of the parents didn’t attend college. At the conclusion of the program, 93 percent of the students said they plan to go to college. And Salma Amparan is already thinking of the next generation. “I want be a great influence for my siblings,” she said.

The Gateway program is conducted by the LLU Institute for Community Partnerships.

The institute promotes collaboration between the campus and the community to ensure that the university is both relevant and responsive through research, teaching, and service.

“I strongly believe that career pathway programs are some of the most important work that we do on this campus,” said institute director Juan Carlos Belliard, Ph.D., M.P.H., “because they not only transform individuals, but families and communities. Through these efforts we are investing in the future of our community and our workforce.”

Participant Jill Fanning wants exactly that. “I pursue life with a smile in hope that I will make a positive difference in our community,” she said.

Chase Evans agreed. “I know that I can contribute to society in a positive way. If I could put smiles on multiple faces per day, that would be priceless indeed.”

The Gateway program combines three former student mentoring programs: Si Se Puede for Latinos, College Exodus for African Americans, and Partners in Progress for Native Americans.

This story was originally published in the Aug. 31 edition of Today.

According to Dr. Wilson, the first year has exceeded expectations in terms of the number of people trained and the number of grants and publications it has helped support.

“The microscopy resources that we have in the advanced imaging and microscopy facility at Loma Linda University are very unique,” said Dr. Wilson. “The facility serves as a research and educational resource for the Inland Empire and beyond.”

Dr. Yellon noted that the value of the core facility is indicated by the fact that more than 120 individuals—including LLU faculty, fellows, and medical and graduate students—trained at the facility during its initial year. They were joined by visiting faculty from other institutions including the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veteran’s Administration Medical Center; the University of California, Riverside; Western University Health Science Center; California Baptist University; and other educational centers who took advantage of the opportunity to use the high-quality, specialized equipment the facility offers.

In addition, student researchers from a number of LLU programs—such as the Macpherson Summer Research Scholarship, Apprenticeship Bridge to College, Undergraduate Training Program and Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship—gained invaluable firsthand experience at the facility.

Researchers logged a remarkable 2,052 hours of use on the microscopes and image analysis workstations in the facility’s first year—the equivalent of 40 hours per week for 51.3 weeks.

The use of specialized microscopes for research is one of the cornerstone techniques of the basic sciences, used to understand the form and function of cells, tissues and organs. It’s also one of the fastest growing sectors in medical research, and one the federal government has proven eager to support.

In fact, the facility was initially funded by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with additional support from H. Roger Hadley, M.D., dean of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. The combined funds were $1.5 million.

“It’s important to recognize that although the facility came into being through the NSF grant, it took the commitment of the dean,” Dr. Yellon said. “The NSF recognized the need and it was Dr. Hadley’s act in stepping up to help meet the need that brought this to fruition.”

The facility opened in 2011 amid high praise from scientists who asserted that it would elevate the school to the ranks of an elite group of academic science institutions by bringing sophisticated high-tech research equipment—notably a Zeiss LSM 710 NLO laser-scanning, multi-photon, confocal microscope—to the campus.

Dr. Wilson said that while there are other excellent microscopy centers in Southern California, the closest facility with comparable instrumentation is the City of Hope in Duarte.

“Our facility is expected to have a continued and enduring scientific impact,” he said, noting its value in helping scientists understand how the body works, and how disease impacts its function.

“These efforts are expected to help us better understand how the brain and nervous system work as well as offering useful insights into cellular and organ development, aging, and disruption and disease processes,” Dr. Wilson said.

The overwhelming popularity of the facility confronts Drs. Wilson and Yellon with a problem: Demand is already outstripping resources.

“Large increases in demand have led us to realize that the facility needs to expand to meet the needs of researchers,” Dr. Wilson said. “We routinely work with microscope vendors such as Zeiss, Leica and Nikon to evaluate new and emerging microscope technologies for future acquisitions for the facility so we can continue to provide cutting-edge resources for the research community.”

Dr. Yellon attributed the success of the center to its synergistic origins.

“The center was the coalescing of many common interests among the faculty in basic sciences and led to collaborative research projects and program project grants,” he said.

The core facility was conceived in the mind of Lawrence D. Longo, M.D., former director of the Center for Perinatal Biology.

Looking back, the staff of the facility said the first year laid a solid foundation for a successful future.

“The first year definitely lived up to its billing,” Dr. Yellon said. “Based upon user information, about half of the extramural support grants on campus use the center, plus the first grant with preliminary studies conducted in the initial year was recently funded. The facility appears to be meeting the needs of our LLU community. That’s what a core facility is supposed to do in fulfillment of our vision to support the mission of the university.”

This story was originally published in the Aug. 31 edition of Today.

El Venado lies on the southern tip of Honduras, facing the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the desperately poor areas of the nation, with several hundred residents. The medical needs of the area are typical of those in any poor, undeveloped community.

According to the World Health Organization, infectious and parasitic diseases are the leading casuses of death in Honduras. Gastroenteritis and tuberculosis are serious problems. Diseases such as influenza, malaria, typhoid and pneumonia--once believed to be under control--have returned in force because of a lack of preventive measures. Due to a poor diet high in carbohydrates, many of the residents of El Venado have high blood-sugar levels exceeding 400 mg/dl. Skin ailments are common.

Of course, any trip to El Venado is highlighted by the turtle research of Dr. Dunbar, an associate professor in the School of Public Health's department of earth and biological sciences. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the olive ridley comes ashore during the months of August through November, offering a unique opportunity to see the turtles lay their eggs.

Travel to El Venado is among the most convenient SIMS trips with a short flight to Honduras: Within half a day, one can offer medical services to the poor or search the shores for turtles.

For more information about other SIMS trips, visit lluglobal.com/site/c.msKRL6PNLrF/b.5551113/k.BCBE/SIMS.htm.

A version of this story was first published on the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy Web site.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the official conservation status of the olive ridley sea turtle. The status of the olive ridley sea turtle is vulnerable.

The research showed that after elderly individuals (average age 74) watched a 30-minute humorous video, their learning ability, delayed recall, and visual recognition improved by 38.7 percent, 36.1 percent, and 6.6 percent respectively.

"With aging, the damaging effects of stress can impair the ability to learn and sustain memory," said Dr. Bains. "Humor and the associated mirthful laughter can reduce stress by decreasing stress hormones, including cortisol and catecholamines."

These hormones wear down the mind and body. Cortisol, for example, can damage the neural cells of the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain responsible for transforming infor- mation into new memories.

During this project, Dr. Bains was mentored by researchers from the School of Allied Health Professions and School of Medicine: Lee Berk, Dr.P.H.; Noha Daher, Dr.P.H.; Everett Lohman, D.Sc.; Jerrold Petrofsky, Ph.D.; and Ernie Schwab, Ph.D. Dr. Bains was also substantially assisted in conducting his research by physical therapy doctoral students Prema Pawar and Pooja Deshpande.

Consistent with the school's tradition of innovation, School of Dentistry Dean Charles Goodacre responded in late 2009 to a request for proposals from the Center for Research & Education in Technology, Inc. (CRET), a forward-looking nonprofit association of dental manufacturers, suppliers, and an insurance company.

Dr. Edward Rossomando, professor at the University of Connecticut and CRET president and visionary who established the association in 2004 to arrange access for dental students and faculty to the most technologically advanced tools for dental care delivery, was present--along with Charles Cohen, CRET CEO, and representatives from most of the 22 dental technology companies that contributed equipment--to celebrate the first embodiment of his vision.

The Hugh Love Center is comprised of six operatories and a three-chair open clinic. Under the direction of Dr. Nadim Baba, professor of restorative dentistry, the 3,000-square-foot center, with equipment provided by six different manufacturers, will enable qualified students, under faculty supervision, the opportunity to treat patients using the latest in dental technology.

The center's name honors alumnus Hugh C. Love, D.D.S. (class of 1961), whose unrestricted trust to the School of Dentistry made possible the renovation of the former orthodontic clinic on the second floor of Prince Hall immediately adjacent to the school's group pre-doctoral clinic.

CRET conceived the plan whereby the School of Dentistry would supply space, support staff, and integration of technology into the curriculum, while CRET would design the space and its consortium of dental equipment manufacturers would provide the technologically advanced equipment to make the center possible.

"It is not only students and faculty, but patients, that will derive many benefits from the Center," said Dean Goodacre, "especially the ability to meld the key foundational technical skills required of exceptional practitioners with innovative technologies that can optimize patient care in an increasingly technology-driven world. Additionally, students will learn to integrate their advanced preclinical instruction with a technologically advanced clinical experience that will prepare them to make effective decisions regarding the incorporation of technology into their practices."

Starting in the fall quarter of 2012, fourth-year dental students will treat patients at the Hugh Love Center for at least two weeks per student. The optimal environment, most recent model operatories, and technologically advanced equipment will give Loma Linda University students a unique opportunity to determine their personal preferences as well as assess the advantages provided by different types and styles of delivery systems.

Mark Supanchick, design specialist, developed plans for the center. Construction was implemented by Dr. Bryan Marshall, owner of Alliance Healthcare Development and Construction; with oversight by Dr. Joseph Caruso, associate dean for strategic initiatives and faculty practices.

This story was originally published on the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Web site, dentistry.llu.edu.

According to its Web site, since its inception, the Binational Health Week "has become one of the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States and Canada." Thousands of organizations, government agencies, and volunteers conduct health promotion and education events, as well as vaccinations and medical screenings, in 40 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.

In past years, School of Public Health students and faculty have assisted with health education, prevention and preparedness exhibitions and services at BHW events. Together with the Consulate, the School of Public Health is this year's event's main organizer.

In addition, students, faculty and even some alumni have been participating in Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) project, where they answer individuals' health questions and give presentations on various health topics. The VDS project was created by the Mexican government, whose consulates partner with local universities, organizations, and health care providers to offer health information to those in need.

The Loma Linda team, which included medical, technical, and administrative support personnel, was in Egypt from April 26 to May 11. Members of the Loma Linda delegation included:

• Richard H. Hart, M.D., president of Loma Linda University
• Leonard L. Bailey, M.D., chair of surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center, surgeon-in-chief at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, and pioneering infant heart transplant specialist
• Shamel A. Abd-Allah, M.D., chief of pediatric critical care at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at Loma Linda University School of Medicine
• Aijaz Hashmi, M.D., a cardiologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital who specializes in adult congenital heart diseases and pediatric cardiology
• Nahidh Hasaniya, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and associate professor of pediatrics, at Loma Linda University School of Medicine
• Jim Eguchi, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and pediatric critical care physician at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
• Mudit Mathur, M.D., assistant professor of critical care medicine at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Along with Dr. Abd-Allah, Dr. Mathur taught the last two days of the pediatric critical care course.
• Jerry Daly, M.A., M.S.L.S., associate director of the Global Health Institute at Loma Linda University
• Jan Zumwalt, M.S., M.B.A., associate director of the Global Health Institute at Loma Linda University

According to Adam Shaban, M.D., a physician licensed in Egypt and studying for his California licensing boards in Loma Linda, the team performed 12 to 14 difficult procedures--surgeries that had seldom been performed in Egypt before--on infants. An average of 10 to 15 Egyptian medical students or residents observed the operations. He notes that the overseas heart surgery team last visited Egypt in 2008.

"The potential for educating the next wave of Egyptian physicians and surgeons was tremendous," Dr. Shaban said. He pointed out that pediatric cardiology surgery is not an established specialty in Egypt.

"Here in the U.S., we have many luxuries that we take for granted," he said. "But in Egypt, adult cardiologists routinely operate on pediatric patients. We're trying to change that."

For his part, Dr. Abd-Allah made sure the pediatric critical care course was not taken lightly.

"The students had textbooks and he gave them an exam at the end of the course," Dr. Shaban said. "They had to pay attention and a lot of them did well."

One of the highlights of the trip was a banquetin honor of the Loma Linda delegation sponsored by Al-Orman, a charitable organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, and improving medical and social conditions in the Middle East. Dr. Shaban pointed out that Dr. Hart was able to attend the banquet.

"Although his schedule did not allow him to be with us the entire time, he was able to meet with Osama Ibrahim, M.D., president of the University of Alexandria; Ashraf Saad, M.D., dean of the Faculty of Medicine; and Khaled Karara, M.D., chair of the cardiothoracic surgery program," Dr. Shaban said. "They presented medals to Dr. Hart and other members of the team."

While Dr. Shaban views international cooperation as an important way for Loma Linda University Medical Center to share its mission "to make man whole" with individuals in other parts of the world, he noted that for himself and other trip participants, the greatest reward was seeing what great improvements their work made in the lives of their little patients.

"Each patient became like family to us," he said. "We weren't going to rest until the patient walked out the door. That was something that amazed me. Without these operations, the babies would have had short-lived, poor-quality lives. Watching them leave, knowing they could now look forward to normal, healthy lives, was just incredible!

"We were also reunited with some of the patients from the previous trip in 2008," he said. "To see them four years later, living healthy lives, was a true blessing. It was great to learn that the Egyptian physicians and surgeons had successfully performed so many complex procedures that we taught them on previous trips. They have now trained at least four generations of residents, so you can imagine how many people have already benefited. It's very exciting to be part of this!"

This story was originally published in the July 27, 2012, edition of Today.

Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod of the 32nd Senate District awarded Mr. Arrington, along with 11 other honorees.

Mr. Arrington was acknowledged for his service as a 15-year football coach and as a longtime supporter of patients in the PossAbilities program. This program serves the physical, social, and emotional needs of the disabled in this community.

Now confined to a wheelchair, Mr. Arrington lost the ability to use his legs when he was shot in the back six times while celebrating an offer to try out for the Los Angeles Raiders. Since the incident, Mr. Arrington has coached at Pop Warner, San Bernardino Valley College, and the University of Redlands' summer football camp.

After the students graduate in February 2013, they will help their neighbors regain physical functionality that was lost in the 2010 earthquake or through other circumstances.

New student Edgard Bommier is happy to study in the program because "my people need it." He is from the destroyed town of Léogâne, the epicenter of the 7.0 earthquake in 2010, where many people now live with amputations.

The certificate program is based at a sister hospital and university to Loma Linda University--Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti and Universite Adventiste d'Haiti in Carrefour, outside Port-au-Prince.

It is designed to fill a major gap in the country's medical infrastructure, which boasts a few Haitian physical therapists, but no Haitian occupational therapists. This is for a country that, even before the earthquake, had an estimated 10 percent of its population disabled.

That percentage has only grown since then. To date, many patients have had to rely on international workers for rehabilitation services. But the numbers of foreign volunteers are starting to dwindle.

"Comparing the current poverty of rehabilitation services in Haiti to the almost insurmountable number of individuals with disability made me realize we needed to do something about this dire situation," said Everett Lohman III, D.Sc., program director and professor of physical therapy at LLU. He has volunteered in Haiti numerous times since the earthquake.

Classes began June 18 and are taught by LLU professors, alumni, and other instructors who travel there a week or two at a time. Heather Thomas, Ph.D., co-director of the program and associate professor of occupational therapy at LLU, taught their first course, which was a weeklong introduction to rehabilitation.

"From day one, I was just so incredibly impressed with their enthusiasm for being in the classroom. They said, 'You can count on us,'" said Dr. Thomas. "When I ask a question, so many hands go up, and some of them want to answer twice. But I was also blown away by their answers."

For example, she gave the students a case study about a woman she treated who suffered a stroke during childbirth and now had a baby to care for. She asked them their ideas for helping the new mother.

"The answers they gave were brilliant; it almost made me cry," she said. "I thought, 'You've been in this program two days and you're already coming up with these brilliant, complex ideas?' They really saw the patient for who she was."

Dr. Thomas believes the students will be pioneers who move the rehabilitation professions forward in Haiti.

"One year from now, they're going to be incredible clinicians," she said. "I think we're going to see many of them wanting to push forward to get a bachelor's degree. They're going to start thinking about what's next."

Student Fortilus Cedieu is looking forward to changing his country.

"I am feeling so good and proud to be useful in my life," he said. "Helping people is very important."

Loma Linda University stepped up its involvement in Haiti immediately post quake and continues to play a critical role not only in recovery but in making the country even better than it was before.

The university's relationship with Haiti dates back to Hopital Adventiste's affiliation, beginning in 2001, with Adventist Health International--a nonprofit based at LLU that partners with health care facilities in developing countries to improve services.

Since the earthquake, Loma Linda University has helped stabilize and upgrade the hospital, coordinated some 2,000 volunteers, and temporarily operated a refugee camp at the Adventist university.