R.I.S.E. program showcased in SDSU-IV presentation

San Diego State University-Imperial Valley R.I.S.E. (Research, Innovation, Student Engagement) Center, a project focused on linking community organizations with university researchers to identify, develop and launch solutions to the region’s health disparities, is the subject of a short video that will be part of a presentation of the university’s

“Big Ideas” vying for development.

The public is welcome to view the video, along with other trans-border “Big Idea” project proposals at 4 p.m. Thursday at https://SDSU.zoom. us/j/82690917444.

Following the videos, viewers will have an opportunity to take a survey. The results will help the university determine which of the 17 Big Idea projects proposed will be selected for future funding.

R.I.S.E. is an initiative to help resolve the Imperial Valley’s long-standing health disparities through a unique collaboration that will link local community and health organizations with academic researchers.

The project was developed by Helina Hoyt, SDSU-IV’s coordinator of nursing programs; Michael Gates, SDSU School of Nursing associate director, and Beverly Carlson, SDSU School of Nursing associate professor and graduate advisor.

“With SDSU-Imperial Valley RISE Center our goal is to build futures and save lives here,” Hoyt said.

Imperial Valley health and community organizations have done considerable work to identify causes of health disparities in a rural, isolated region situated on the border with Mexico, Hoyt said. It will take more than the work of Imperial Valley organizations alone to implement comprehensive solutions.

“With the SDSU Imperial Valley RISE Center we will create a hub that will link community stakeholders with academic researchers to facilitate data driven change,” she said.

She added that student engagement in the RISE Center is especially important. “By engaging students in the work of the Center we will be training the leaders of the future who will keep the work alive.”