April 23, 2024
PEARLS spotlighted in Harvard’s Public Health in Action series
The UW HPRC PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives) intervention was highlighted in the “Public Health in Action: Mental Health Innovations” series curated by the Harvard’s Public Health Magazine and Harvard Chan Studio. The series focuses on impactful interventions and evidence-based strategies, by convening leading experts, policymakers, and advocates to explore critical issues like mental health. Through thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and presentations, “Public Health in Action” empowers participants to drive meaningful action at the individual, community, and policy levels.
For more than 20 years, PEARLS has improved access to care through community-based social service organizations. Through personalized coaching, skill-building, and community connections, older adults are less depressed and disconnected and empowered to maintain their health, happiness, and independence. Watch Joel Hernandez, PEARLS counselor, Baltazar and Mercedes Molina, PEARLS participants, and Sherry Wu, PEARLS research coordinator, discuss the program and its impacts!