The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) invites the public to a special Behind-The-Scenes Showcase on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 6:30 PM at CineLux Green Valley Cinema in Watsonville. The event is free to the community. Featuring powerful films created by local filmmakers Carlos Campos and Eugenia Renteria, these films aim to highlight health disparities in the Pajaro Valley, celebrate the positive changes being made, and engage the community in a meaningful dialogue.

Carly Gaffney, MS, RDN, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at CHT, discusses how CHT’s Community Gardens program addresses food insecurity in the Pajaro Valley. Despite being surrounded by agriculture, many families struggle to access fresh, locally-grown produce. Credit: Inspira Studios

Through a grant provided by the Central Coast Creative Corps Program (CCCC) and funded by the California Arts Council, CHT has been collaborating with three local artists – Carlos Campos, Isabel Contreras, and Eugenia Renteria – to raise awareness of the inequity in health access within the Pajaro Valley and recognize the solutions and individuals who are making a difference.

  • Carlos Campos’ film provides an insightful overview of how CHT, along with other Pajaro Valley organizations, collaborate to offer essential health and wellness resources. Preview here.
  • Eugenia Renteria’s film explores food insecurity in the Pajaro Valley, revealing the paradox of living in a major agricultural hub while many residents face challenges in accessing nutritious food. Preview here.
  • In addition to the films, Isabel Contreras supported CHT with the rebranding of their annual Rather Awards, refocusing the event to highlight the significant impact of community organizations and individuals working together to uplift our region.
Left to Right: Isabel Contreras, Eugenia Renteria, Carlos Campos, and Luis Mendoza at CHT’s Rather Awards. Isabel played a key role in rebranding this annual event, formerly known as the Phil Rather Award for Leadership in Healthcare, to celebrate those who are improving lives in the Pajaro Valley.

RSVP today

The film showcase is part of a broader initiative as CHT embarks on an exciting transformation of its Diabetes Health Center (DHC) into a comprehensive healthy living campus. This visionary project represents more than just physical renovations; it embodies a holistic approach to wellness designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul, helping our community thrive at every level.

“We are incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve formed through this program and the powerful stories these artists have captured,” said DeAndre’ James, Executive Director of the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. “The films showcased capture the current needs within the community and highlight CHT’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges. Our new healthy living campus is part of CHT’s broader strategy to provide an integrative approach to health and wellness, reflecting our commitment to health equity in the Pajaro Valley.”

Attendees will have the chance to learn more about this exciting initiative and its promising benefits for the community. The event will also offer a platform to engage with the films, meet the artists, and discover ways to support CHT’s mission.

The film screening will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by a Q&A session. Space is limited, attendees must RSVP to reserve their seat by Friday, August 23.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit pvhealthtrust.org/behind-the-scenes/. Join CHT to celebrate these transformative projects and explore how we can all contribute to a healthier Pajaro Valley.

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This activity is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, through the Central Coast Creative Corps Grant Program. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov and www.centralcoastcreativecorps.org.

The Community Health Trust has focused on health equity in the Pajaro Valley for 25 years. CHT’s strategic direction focuses on health equity and wellness through the promotion of activities and lifestyle choices that prevent illness and improve quality of life. Learn more at pvhealthtrust.org/.