NEWS & EVENTS

Kudos to Our ADRC Team!

September 21, 2026- A big shoutout to the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core (OREC)  & Clinical Core Teams, and Community Health Workers (CHWs) for bringing brain health education and resources directly to Bay Area communities throughout August and September!

The team connected with community members through a variety of educational presentations, outreach, and memory screening opportunities to the following organizations:

  • Community Health & Wellness Fair, Food Drive

  • Community Memory Screening Event, Fremont

  • Madre-A-Madre, San José

  • Mayfair Community Center (Centro Comunitario de Mayfair), East San Jose

  • Mountain View Community Church, Community Resource Fair

  • San José Mexican Consulate

  • School Based Outreach, East San Jose

Through these events, the team is building trusted relationships, increasing awareness of brain health and healthy aging, and connecting community members with ADRC resources and research opportunities.

Thank you to our ADRC OREC, Clinical Teams, and CHWs for continuing to show up, build bridges, and bring brain health into the community-especially during September, Alzheimer’s awareness month! 

For more information, email Henry Alva Alva at hen105@stanford.edu

Applications for the 2026–2027 Health Ambassadors Program open Monday, August 3rd  - Friday, September 4th, 2026-Closed

July 23, 2026- The Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement Health Ambassadors Program is a professional development opportunity for community leaders at all career stages to build capacity in community-engaged research. This program is designed to seed and support community-academic research partnerships aimed at improving health outcomes for all people.

Participants receive training in community-engaged research, opportunities to connect with Stanford Medicine researchers and a diverse peer network, and support developing funding proposals for a Health Ambassador Program seed grant opportunity.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Eligible applicants must hold a formal, paid staff position within a community-based organization in Stanford Medicine’s catchment (geographic) areas; Alameda, Contra Costa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Stanislaus counties.
If your organization serves communities in these counties, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and consider applying!

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Program: October 2026–April 2027
  • Applications: August 3–September 4, 2026
  • Information Session: Friday, August 7, 2026-RECORDING AVAILABLE

Please share this opportunity with colleagues, community partners, and organizations that may be interested!

QUICK LINKS:

 

Questions? Contact Wei-ting Chen, weiting.chen@stanford.edu or Dave Zapata, dzapata1@stanford.edu

 

 

Strengthening Community-Engaged Research Through Partnership

July 14, 2026- On July 2nd, we had the opportunity to meet with three of the four 2026 Haas Distinguished Visitors; Thomas Lee, Kris Perry, and Regi Young. Although Libby Schaaf was unavailable to join the meeting, we appreciated the opportunity to engage with the visiting cohort alongside our Stanford Medicine colleagues, Dr. Anisha Patel and Dongmei Tan from the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute's Office of Community-Engaged Research (OCEnR), as well as our community partners.

The conversation centered on a shared goal: Building stronger, more equitable partnerships between academic researchers and the communities they serve.

Our discussion highlighted the diverse missions represented at the table, spanning food security, foster youth support, digital media research, and maternal health. While these organizations address different challenges, they share a common commitment to improving community well-being through collaboration.

We also explored the systemic barriers that often limit effective research-community partnerships, including misaligned academic incentives, limited nonprofit capacity, and the need for more sustainable, bidirectional engagement.

During the visit, we were proud to showcase key initiatives, including the Community Advisory Board, Health Ambassadors, and Evidence to Action (E2A) programs, demonstrating to distinguished visitors how Stanford Medicine is partnering with communities to translate research into meaningful, real-world impact.

As we look ahead, our collective focus is on aligning research priorities with community needs, fostering institutional change that values community engagement, and creating ongoing opportunities for communication, resource sharing, and partnership development.

"Meaningful community engagement isn't just about conducting research, it's about building trusted relationships that lead to lasting, measurable impact."

Read more about the 2026 Haas Distinguished Visitors here

2026 Spectrum CTSA Research Symposium Brings Together More Than 200 Attendees to Advance Translational Science and Community Engagement

June 24 , 2026- On June 17th,  Stanford Spectrum Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program hosted the 2026 Spectrum CTSA Research Symposium | Beyond the Science: Real-World Impact through Community & Regional Partnerships bringing together more than 200 researchers, community partners, trainees, patient advocates, and health leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

The full-day symposium featured engaging presentations and panel discussions, Health Ambassador poster presentations, and networking opportunities focused on building trust, strengthening community-engaged research, advancing clinical and translational science, and supporting the next generation of translational scientists.

Attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Dr. Ruth O’Hara, Senior Associate Dean for Research at Stanford School of Medicine, and Dr. Audie Atienza, NIH Senior Program Officer. Additional presentations highlighted innovative community-engaged research initiatives and translational science efforts led by faculty, community partners, Health Ambassadors, and Patient Advocates in Translational Health Sciences (PATHS) participants.

The symposium also featured panel discussions from Dr. Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa and Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas, who shared strategies for strengthening trust and building community capacity through community advisory boards, patient advocate training, and community-academic partnerships. Community partners and program participants provided valuable perspectives on the importance of community engagement and collaboration throughout the research process.

Emerging translational scientists were showcased through presentations by Spectrum CTSA K12 Scholars Dr. Kevin Alexander, Dr. Leandra Barnes, and Dr. Preeti Panda. Additional speakers included Dr. Deborah Goebert, University of Hawaii, Dr. Tainayah Whitney Thomas, Dr. Tina Hernandez-Boussard, and Dr. David Rehkopf, who shared insights on research innovation, mentorship, implementation science, and workforce development.

The Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement (OCE) played a prominent role throughout the symposium. OCE faculty and staff contributed to the planning and execution of the event, facilitated presentations and panel discussions, and highlighted programs designed to strengthen community-engaged translational research. Special recognition goes to Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas, Dr. Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa, Dr. Wei-Ting Chen, Barakah Love, Cristina Mancera, Dave Zapata, Henry Alva Alva, Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal, Yessica Martinez Mulet, and Glenda Estioko for their leadership, planning, and dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships between researchers and communities.

The success of the symposium reflects the ongoing commitment of Spectrum CTSA and Stanford Medicine Senior Associate Dean for Research Office to advancing translational science through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. Special thanks to Dr. Ruth O’Hara, the symposium planning committee, including Raj Prasad, Marilyn Dion, Peg Tsao, and Emily Kearns, as well as the speakers, community partners, volunteers, and attendees whose contributions made the event a success.

As the symposium concluded, participants left inspired with expanded networks and a shared commitment to advancing health through collaborative, community-centered research.

Click to view: Health Ambassador 2026 Poster Booklet

 

Stanford ADRC Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core Builds Momentum Through Community Engagement and Outreach Across May Events

June 3, 2026- May was an active and impactful month for the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core team as staff strengthened community partnerships, expanded awareness of healthy brain aging, and connected with diverse audiences through a series of outreach events across the Bay Area.

The month began on May 7th with OCE/ADRC team members Nayeli and Henry attending the vibrant and well-attended San Mateo Senior Showcase at the San Mateo Senior Center. The event brought together older adults, caregivers, and community organizations for a day of learning and connection. ADRC shared information about the Healthy Brain Aging (HBA) Study, introduced attendees to MemTrax, and explored opportunities for future collaboration with community partners. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with all flyers and outreach materials distributed by the end of the event. Co-sponsored by The Daily Journal, a valued new community partner, the showcase created meaningful opportunities to raise awareness and foster new relationships.

ADRC continued its outreach efforts on May 16th at the Stanford Medicine Health Matters event, marking the Center’s first appearance at this large community gathering. The event drew more than 1,000 attendees and proved to be an exceptionally strong showing for ADRC. Throughout the day, the team engaged in a steady stream of conversations ranging from introductions to the Center and its work to more personal discussions about brain health, dementia concerns, and family experiences. Interest was high, with hundreds of study brochures, dementia information sheets, and CLARiTI flyers distributed and 60 individuals completing interest forms to receive ADRC communications and learn about research participation opportunities.

The reception from the community was warm and enthusiastic, reflecting a growing interest in brain aging research and education. Many of the new sign-ups came from new community members, highlighting meaningful progress in reaching various populations. ADRC also collaborated with the CogT Lab, whose research assistants Serena and Daniela shared information about cognitive training studies while supporting outreach efforts. Adding to the excitement, several current ADRC cohort participants stopped by to greet the team and support conversations with community members, reinforcing the sense of partnership and shared purpose that defines OCE/ADRC’s work.

Later in the month, on May 29th, Nayeli and Henry traveled to Half Moon Bay to participate in the Senior Resource Fair co-hosted by Villages of the Coastside and Senior Coastsiders. Alongside approximately 20 community partners, ADRC maintained a busy outreach table while also leading a community presentation on healthy brain aging. Nearly 30 attendees joined the session, engaging in thoughtful discussion and asking insightful questions about lifestyle factors that may help reduce dementia risk and support lifelong brain health. The event fostered new connections and continued ADRC’s mission of bringing accessible, evidence-based information directly to the community.

Together, these May events reflect Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center ongoing commitment to community engagement, education, and partnership-building. By meeting people where they are and fostering meaningful dialogue around healthy aging, the team continues to expand awareness and strengthen connections that support healthier communities. For more information, please email Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal,MPH, Stanford Medicine OCE Community-engaged Researcher, at nayeli@stanford.edu

 

2026 Community Impact Awards

May 13, 2026- Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement Celebrates ALL 2026 Community Impact Award Recipients

The Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement (OCE) proudly recognized the recipients of the 2026 Community Impact Awards during a celebratory event held on May 6. These annual awards honor exceptional individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies excellence in community engagement and partnership.

This year’s honorees include Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, recipient of the Outstanding Community-Engaged Faculty Award, and Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award. Both awardees were recognized for their sustained leadership, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to improving health and well-being through community-centered initiatives.

The Community Impact Awards highlight the vital role of partnerships in advancing health outcomes and fostering trust between academic institutions and the communities they serve. Through their dedication and impact, this year’s recipients embody the spirit of collaboration and service that defines community-engaged work.

OCE extends its sincere congratulations to all 2026 award recipients and nominees. Special thanks to the Community Impact Awards planning committee for organizing a successful and inspiring event.

To learn more about this year’s honorees and read their remarks, visit:
https://padlet.com/ctdesa/2026-community-impact-awards-remarks-xhdf8f5qcoadbjmj

New Publication Announcement!

Strengthening Community Health Worker and Promotora Workforce Capacity

April 10, 2026- Read our latest publication, Strengthening Community Health Worker and Promotora Workforce Capacity, published in JAMA Network Open!

👏 This work represents months (and years!) of collaboration with community and academic partners across California and commitment to advancing capacity for the community health worker workforce. Grateful to Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Yessica Martinez Mulet, MS; Nicole Wolfe, PhD; Nancy Burke, PhD; Dara Sorkin, PhD; Robynn Zender, MS; Kristen Weeks-Norton, MS; Gerardo (Gerry) Balcazar, BS; Claudia G. Corchado; Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD, MS, and everyone who contributed, supported, and challenged us along the way.

For more publications, visit our Education, Trainings, and Resource page here

Now Open! 2026 OCE Community Award Nominations

March 17, 2026- Nominate and recognize individuals (faculty & staff) and community partner organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving and advancing community health for all! 

⭐️ Nominations | Due by Monday, April 13th, 2026-CLOSED

⭐️ RSVP | Community Impact Awards & Networking Reception, Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, 5-6:30 PM

This year, OCE is honored to collaborate with Stanford Medicine Offices of: 

We hope to see you there! Award and Event details can be found here

 

Save the Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 

Spectrum CTSA Symposium | Beyond the Science: Real-World Impact through Community and Regional Partnerships

March 4, 2026- The Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Research, Spectrum CTSA, and the Office of Community Engagement will partner to present an all-day symposium on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The event theme is “Beyond the Science: Real-World Impact through Community and Regional Partnerships,” and presenters will include prominent Stanford and School of Medicine faculty, regional and local research partners, and community collaborators. Additional details will be publicized early in March.

We look forward to your participation! 

Vida Sana y Completa Study Recognized at Community Partnership Awards & Roland Prize Luncheon for Focus on Diabetes Prevention

March 6, 2026- On March 3rd, Vida Sana y Completa Study was honored with the Community Partnership Award at the Community Partnership Awards & Roland Prize Luncheon, held at the Stanford Faculty Club. This annual event, co-sponsored by the Haas Center for Public Service and the Stanford University Office of Community Engagement, celebrated outstanding contributions to community service and collaboration.

Vida Sana Y Completa, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas and in collaboration with the San Mateo Medical Center: Vida Sana y Completa Study, was recognized for its impactful work in addressing community health. Dr. Rosas' lab has led innovative initiatives, provide health coaching, improved food access, and enhanced social support, benefiting over 400 participants.

The event featured presentations from distinguished leaders, including Wei-ting Chen, PhD, Executive Director, Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement, and Rakhi Singh, MD, Medical Director at Fair Oaks Health Center. 

For additional details and to view the list of community partners and individuals who dedicated their efforts to this initiative, visit Dr. Wei-ting Chen’s LinkedIn post here.

Patient Advocate Training in Health Sciences (PATHS)

February 27, 2026- On February 7th, Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement hosted its 2nd kick-off session for its PATHS program, launching a new cycle focused on strengthening patient voices in research.

The Patient Advocate Training in Health Sciences (PATHS) Program at Stanford Medicine is a free educational program designed to train patient advocates in research methods and related topics. The ultimate goal of PATHS is to equip patient advocates with the knowledge and skills needed to take an active, meaningful role in research efforts.

The program, led by Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas and Dr. Steve Goodman, brings extensive expertise in community-engaged research methodology. Together their leadership underscores the program’s commitment to ensuring patient advocates are not only informed about research processes, but empowered to help shape them. The kick-off session introduced participants to the program’s curriculum, expectations, and opportunities for engagement as well as how the training supports advocates in understanding research design, ethics, and collaboration with scientists and clinicians.

PATHS is directed and managed by Cristina Mancera, MA, who leads participant engagement and oversees program implementation. For more PATHS information, please email her at cmancera@stanford.edu

2025 Stanford Medicine | Office of Community Engagement Annual Report

January 20, 2026- We are pleased to share the Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement 2025 Annual Report, highlighting our collective impact, partnerships, and progress over the past year. Thank you to our community for your continued collaboration and commitment to advancing community health TOGETHER!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEP - OCT 2026

ADRC Outreach & Engagement Events

The Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) team is excited to bring engaging presentations, resources, and conversations directly to the community. Through our outreach events, we share evidence-based information, discuss lifestyle factors that may help reduce dementia risk, and raise awareness of ADRC programs and research.

Join thousands of enthusiastic community members across the Bay Area at an upcoming ADRC outreach event! Come learn more about healthy brain aging, explore free brain health screenings, and connect with our team while discovering ways to support lifelong brain health.

Check out the upcoming dates below and join us at an event near you!

For more information regarding ADRC, please email Henry Alva Alva at hen105@stanford.edu

Get Engaged!

Would you like us to highlight or attend your next community engagement event?
If so, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Community Events Request Form

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