IHPR’s Esparza Expands Role as Community Advocate for Minority Child Health

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Laura Esparza, a researcher at the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, already works with community groups to identify innovative ways to help Latina girls in San Antonio get physically active.

Now she’s taking on an expanded role as a community advocate for minority child health.

Esparza has joined the Shared Use Coalition for the city’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities initiative, which aims to plan and implement strategies to increase opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy food in San Antonio’s Westside community. The coalition is trying to develop shared use agreements that allow schools, churches and city facilities to be used after hours for exercise and play.

Esparza also is a member of the Steering Committee that is setting up the city’s Active Living Council, which will create and implement a multi-year master plan to promote active living, reduce sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in Bexar County.

That’s not to mention that, for the past four years, Esparza also has served on the Methodist Healthcare System’s Community Board.

Congratulations from SaludToday to an outstanding researcher and community advocate!