On November 11, 2023 KYCC Prevention Education hosted the third annual 5K Walk & Run and Resource Fair, inspired by the success of their first event titled “Run for Love 5K” hosted in March of 2022.
The 5K Walk/Run and Resource Fair was themed “Honoring Our Traditions” and aimed to promote and highlight the significance of healthy living, substance-free lifestyles, active families, and community pride for MacArthur Park. This event celebrated these values through a walk and run aligning with the theme of the traditional holiday Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a culturally significant holiday observed in many Latin American countries to honor those who have passed.
Prevention Community Council (PCC) members, dedicated parents committed to educating and raising awareness about substance-use and prevention efforts, co-coordinated this event along with KYCC’s Prevention Education team. PCC members designed an altar to celebrate Día de Los Muertos and meaningfully commemorate loved ones who have been lost to substance use.
The event not only contributed to the community’s overall health goals, but also highlighted the importance of prevention efforts in the local area. After completing the run, community members had the opportunity to take part in a co-occurring resource fair that was organized to offer local resources, further enriching the event’s impact on the community’s well-being.
Over 150 residents of the Westlake community and surrounding neighborhoods attended the event. The event was supported by volunteers of diverse ages, including interns of MPCI’s leadership program, MYPARC. The event was successful in promoting a healthy lifestyle and showing community pride for MacArthur Park.
Thank you to our program and event partners Prevention Education’s Prevention Community Council, Los Angeles City Council District 1, Pico Union Neighborhood Council, Department of Recreations and Park: MacArthur Park Community Center, Los Angeles Police Department-Rampart Station Cadet Program, local businesses (Starbucks, Northgate Market, Gourmet Liquor) and community-based organizations such as Mujeres de la Tierra, LA Commons, Healing Urban Barrios, Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund, and UC Masters Garden Program.
Funding is provided by Sierra Health Foundation – Elevate Youth California through Proposition 64, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention Control, PIH Health, Westlake North Neighborhood Council.
