Two members of the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s (CTSI) Community Engagement and Health Policy (CE&HP) program were recognized recently for their work in advancing community health. The award recipients, Roberto Vargas and Paula Fleisher, are Navigators with the CE&HP program, which helps to bridge the gap between academic research and community health practices.
Roberto Vargas, MPH
Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Service, UCSF
Roberto was recognized for his work in building partnerships between UCSF researchers and civic and community groups to improve the health and health care of San Franciscans. He was one of only three recipients of the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Service, which is awarded annually to non-academic staff members who devote significant time and energy to support and serve the campus community and mission.
In a special awards ceremony on May 15, 2015, Roberto was recognized for his passion, enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond the scope of his job responsibilities. The nominating team expressed their appreciation of Roberto, stating, “Everyone who has interacted with Roberto will immediately feel his passion and commitment to social justice. He has always impressed us with his openness, enthusiasm, can-do attitude, generosity, collaborative spirit, and hard work. At the heart of Roberto's work is his belief that respectful, constructive, and dynamic partnerships are the best way to ensure UCSF remains relevant and important to communities struggling to be healthy in the face of social and economic hardship.”
Read more about Roberto and his work here.
Paula Fleisher, MA
Community Leader Award, San Francisco Alcohol Prevention Coalition
Paula was recognized by the San Francisco Alcohol Prevention Coalition (SFAPC) steering committee earlier this month for her leadership in the San Francisco Alcohol Policy Partnership Working Group. A partner project of San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership (SFHIP), this working group brings together community, civic, and academic partners to address alcohol-related public health and safety issues.
As a recipient of SFAPC’s Community Leader Award, Paula was honored alongside notable city officials, members of law enforcement, community activists and youth leaders. Specifically, Paula was recognized for spearheading efforts that support SFAPC’s mission, helping to mobilize communities to take action on alcohol-related public health and safety issues, and demonstrating commitment and creativity in her work with the coalition.
Read more about Paula and her work here.