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CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

Human Services

Nursing Student’s Program Helps Save Lives in State Prison

October 7, 2014 By Paul Browning

Kelly Ranson, a nursing graduate student at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), has taken her award-winning class assignment to develop a health improvement process for a chosen population of study and successfully implemented it in the unique place where she works, Kern Valley State Prison.

As chief nurse executive for the level-4 high-security facility for the past five years, Ranson immediately knew she wanted to focus on the inmate population when CSUDH Assistant Professor of Nursing Lauren Outland assigned the project in her Health Promotion and Disease Prevention course. The resulting project was “Improving Glycemic Control Among Incarcerated Men” (IGCAIM), which Ranson designed to help inmates control their diabetes, a national epidemic the complications of which she has seen firsthand behind prison walls.

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Ranson and Kern Valley State Prison Warden Martin Biter

“The inmate population is experiencing the same health problems as the rest of the country. I was thinking there had to be something we could do to improve the health of diabetic inmates, and I knew that we could also reduce the cost of their care if we could figure out a program for them,” said Ranson, who noted that uncontrolled diabetes can cause people to need dialysis, have amputations, go blind, and have heart disease.

“While I was taking Dr. [Lauren] Outland’s class, a new statewide policy in correctional healthcare allowed inmates to carry diabetic testing supplies, and everything began to fall in place,” said Ranson. “I realized that if I could get approval for inmates at Kern Valley to self-test an intensive nursing education program might help them learn to manage their blood glucose levels better. I decided to make this my class assignment.”

Ranson, who will graduate from CSUDH this fall with a Master of Science in Nursing, nurse administrator option, received an “A” on her assignment in Outland’s class. The IGCAIM also took First Place at the 2014 CSUDH Student Research Day in the Health, Nutrition and Clinical Science.

While still enrolled in Outland’s course, Ranson began the process of getting approval to implement the program at Kern Valley State Prison.

Seeking Approval

Ranson began compiling research. She explored the federal government’s website “Healthy People 2020” to discover its health priorities for the next few years, and conducted research posted by the World Health Organization.

“There was a lot of data on the unique needs of diabetic Hispanic men and about mortality rates of African American men. Both are large populations in my prison,” she said. “I also found a lot of data about how to help people with diabetes in third-world countries who don’t have access to quality healthcare.”

With data to back it up and a draft program in place, Ranson presented it to Warden Martin Biter and prison CEO Michael Hutchinson.

“I said ‘This would greatly benefit the health of our diabetic patients, and if we can teach them how to manage their diabetes better it will also be a significant cost savings for the people of the state. It’s the right thing for the patients.’ They both agreed,” said Ranson.

One of her concerns was that inmates from the general prison population would try to take advantage of those who were in the IGCAIM program.

“We have to be careful to not put them in harm’s way,” she said.

To help prevent this, Ranson met with the Inmate Advisory Committee (IAC), which is made up of inmates who have the respect of other inmates, and can influence their decisions and how they treat each other.

“I went to the Inmate Advisory Committee and talked to those influential inmates. I explained to them what we wanted to do. They said ‘This is a great program. We will support these guys,’” said Ranson. “We still have to be careful about not treating our patients differently because the other inmates will try to manipulate them, but the support of the IAC has helped them stay with our program.”

Getting with the Program

At Kern Valley State Prison not only does the IGCAIM program enable incarcerated patients to carry glucometers to monitor their own blood glucose levels, but each participant is given intensive education and must meet frequently with nursing and other health staff.

Also critical to the IGCAIM’s success is consultation with mental health staff, dieticians, medical staff and peer support services.

“In the program, inmates are taught extensively about their diabetes and low-impact ways to manage their blood sugar, such as exercising more, drinking more water and managing what they eat,” said Ranson. “Nobody in prison gets a special diet, they all eat the same thing. So we teach them creative ways of managing what they should and shouldn’t eat.”

Entering the IGCAIM program is voluntary, and so is remaining in it.

“Inmates who are not willing to comply with the program’s guidelines, or converse and work with us; those who behave improperly, mess with their needles or glucometers, and/or sell their supplies are dropped from the program,” she explained. “But if they do behave we work with them extensively and help them learn how to treat their disease and avoid amputations, blindness, and early death.”

Up and Running

It has been over a year since the GCAID was implemented at Kern Valley State Prison, and Ranson’s program has proven very successful. She was recently accepted to present her process at the World Congress on Public Health in Kalkota, India, which will take place in February 2015.

Many inmates participating in the program have reduced their A1Cs, which is a test that reflects patients’ average blood sugar level over several months.

“If someone has an A1C less than nine there is a great likelihood that he or she will never develop those awful consequences associated with diabetes. Inmates who have A1Cs of nine or greater are encouraged to join our program,” explained Ranson. “Overall, we have had a lot of success. In fact, some people are no longer taking insulin. They now control their blood sugar just through our recommended dietary choices and exercise.”

Ranson has also become a prison representative member of CSUDH’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is a committee comprised of faculty, staff and community members who review research studies that involve the use of human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to protect the rights of human research subjects by ensuring compliance with university and governmental regulations.

Developing processes like the IGCAID is very rewarding for Ranson.

“I love developing processes that reflect really good nursing, strong ethics, and recognition of the limits of our license; programs that are better for the patients and also save the state money,” she said. “This is by far my favorite aspect of my job.”

Amanda Reyes Channels Boundless Energy Into Leadership

May 9, 2014 By admin

Amanda Reyes cannot help peering ahead into the future, fidgeting to catch a glimpse of what’s to come.

“I was the type of kid–and now the type of adult–who can’t sit still or stay put,” says the tenacious, determined, and above all, deeply motivated 23-year-old who graduates this spring with a master’s in English.

Amanda Reyes
Amanda Reyes flashes Toro pride as she prepares to graduate

Her passion for learning and teaching is described as infectious by her peers and mentors, and her litany of accomplishments and achievements during her six years at CSU Dominguez Hills (she also received her bachelor’s in English in 2012) reflect that: She is the founder of the English Graduate Association (EGA), where she started the campus’ first English Language Conference, is chief editor of Enjambed literary magazine, embedded a multi-modal approach to English composition course material which places an emphasis on visual aids, placed second at the university’s Student Research Day in 2012 and 2013, and has had numerous examples of her work published, including in CSU Fullerton’s pedagogical journal, “Pupil.”

She managed all of that while maintaining a near-perfect grade point average and working as an assistant lead English supplemental instructor (SI) to help promote social justice, diversity, and awareness of academic discourse as it relates to student identity.

For all this, Reyes was awarded with both the Outstanding Student Award and the Presidential Award for Leadership and Innovation at this year’s Presidential Student Leadership and Service Awards, where the campus community honors their peers for tireless work in improving campus life, creating innovative teaching methods and being a leader.

Humbled and appreciative of the recognition, Reyes credits her signature whirlwind energy for balancing her academic, professional and personal life.

“Because of my work ethic and internal motivation, I was able to stay focused in multiple aspects of my life,” she said.

According to Peggy Ozaki, assistant director of the Toro Learning Center, Reyes is a “forward thinker and self-starter who will always challenge the norms that have been taken for granted.”

“She is a strong example of how a student can utilize the various academic opportunities at CSUDH to create pathways that can lead to campus change,” said Ozaki, who has been Reyes’ mentor during her time at the university.

According to Reyes, Ozaki and other mentors on campus have single-handedly changed her life forever: “They truly taught me how to stay patient and persistent and to never let the fire inside me burn out regardless of the numerous obstacles.”

As graduation looms, Reyes reflects back on her passion for learning and teaching, explaining that her incredible determination and ambition were sparked by her family.

“My father’s family came to this country from Guatemala when my dad was 13 years old,” she said. “Ever since, they have all worked tirelessly to support their children and grandchildren in taking advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer.”

She says that although her parents came from completely different backgrounds–her mother was born in Connecticut and came to California as a teen–they both instilled in her a love of education.

“My parents always made a point to emphasize the importance of education in my life and that seed has been a major factor in my drive to not only succeed, but thrive in academia,” Reyes said, adding that even when finances took a toll on her family, her parents prioritized her education above all else. “My parents, regardless of money problems, always found a way to get me into good schools, even if those good schools meant me having to transfer every couple of years.”

Growing up in a “bi-cultural background,” was difficult for Reyes: “Looking like a ‘white girl’ but being raised Guatemalan affected my childhood in the sense that I was constantly torn about my identity.”

“I was made to feel uncomfortable or ashamed for many things in my life whether it be my gender, culture, skin color, financial circumstance, sexuality, political views, style, or even my way of being,” she added.

The one thing that helped her overcome the negativity was the release she found in reading and writing. She uses literacy to vent, analyze and theorize why she’s feeling a certain way and to help improve her outlook. To her, that kind of freedom was revolutionary and inspired her to help others to utilize it as well.

As a supplemental instructor in the English department, she works closely with students and is blown away by how they use literacy to reach deep levels of understanding about themselves, society and culture.

“I’ve seen students really grab onto this stuff and do something that I could never even imagine or dream about,” she said. “To see that just keeps me going. Seeing the effects of it is probably the most powerful and life-changing thing I’ve ever experienced. I’m looking forward to helping even more students achieve that.”

The figurative next stage of Reyes’ life will begin as soon as she crosses a literal stage during commencement. As she mentally prepares herself to tackle new projects and initiatives, she says that her passion for teaching has led her to look for jobs as a lecturer at several colleges and universities and hopes to one day get her Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition.

However, she says her heart belongs at CSUDH, where she would like to continue her career– as long as she “can manage not getting a few more ulcers,” she jokes.

“I would love to work in administration in the English department I work under, whether that means running a tutoring center or even facilitating training and workshops,” Reyes said of her goal, wherever finds herself working.

She reiterated that her tireless energy and desire to constantly move forward were refined into drive and motivation during her time at CSUDH, turning her into a leader who turns thought into innovative action.

“I have had to find ways to make both noticeable and subtle changes, find support, and convince others that their efforts and sacrifice will be worthwhile,” she said. “I am extremely grateful to the university for teaching me that.”

CSU Dominguez Hills Honors Outstanding Community Partners

May 6, 2014 By admin

California State University, Dominguez Hills recognized local companies, nonprofits and government agencies with its 2014 Outstanding Community Partner Award during Inauguration Week April 26 to May 2 in celebration of the investiture of Willie J. Hagan as the 10th president in the university’s 54-year history.

2014 Outstanding Community Partner Awards were given to the City of Carson, Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, LA Galaxy, West Basin Municipal Water District, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles for their engagement efforts with CSU Dominguez Hills students, faculty and staff. Examples of how they have supported the university include internship programs for students (Rancho Dominguez and LA Galaxy), sponsored student scholarships (LA Galaxy), student service-learning and community service projects (City of Carson, Rancho Dominguez and Habitat for Humanity), conservation projects on campus (West Basin), and community initiatives (City of Carson and West Basin).

The award to the City of Carson was presented at the CSUDH Day of Service, during which hundreds of students volunteered their time on beautification projects throughout the community. The other awards were presented during the university’s Community Engagement Symposium that highlighted student-led service-learning projects with local organizations.

“We are thankful to our community partners and their ongoing support of our students,” said David Gamboa, director of government and community relations at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Through their support, our university is able to build upon its resources that help us further advance student success. Our partners play a critical role in our mission.”

Inaugural Day of Service: CSUDH Making a Difference in Our Communities

April 30, 2014 By admin

Students, faculty, staff, friends and neighbors came together in a massive effort to beautify their surrounding communities during California State University, Dominguez Hills’ (CSUDH) first-ever Day of Service.

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Volunteers help beautify Stevenson Park in Carson, CA

To kick off the week leading up to the inauguration of the university’s 10th president, Dr. Willie J. Hagan, nearly 250 volunteers lent their time and skills on April 26 helping to beautify a local historical landmark and areas both on and off campus, install an ocean-friendly community garden, and help rebuild areas of Long Beach.

“The Day of Service represents what’s best about this institution,” said President Hagan during his opening remarks on campus. “We’re all in this together, and we [CSUDH] were put in this area to serve the community.”

Welcoming volunteers, Carson Mayor Jim Dear elaborated on how the university was integral to the city of Carson’s success.

“This is a great learning institution, but it’s so much more than that,” he said. “It’s a ‘communi-versity.’”

Volunteers spent their day spread throughout the South Bay, engaging in activities such as beautifying the Child Development Center on campus, Stevenson Park in Carson, as well as cleaning the grotto at the historic Rancho Dominguez Adobe in Compton, and participating in National Rebuilding Day at the Century Village at Cabrillo in Long Beach and its Elizabeth Ann Seton residence.

Hagan also held a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony at University Housing to commemorate an ocean friendly community garden that will be installed thanks to the West Basin Municipal Water District, which under the leadership of Director Ron Smith contributed $40,000 toward the garden, matched by University Housing.

“This garden is a shining example of our partnership with CSUDH,” Smith said. “It shows that individually we can do great things, but together we can do something truly incredible.”

In addition, Carson city officials dedicated a community flower bed with a plaque inscription in honor of Hagan at Stevenson Park, as he and other volunteers participated in adopt-a-park activities. In return, Hagan presented the city with the Outstanding Community Partner Award, showing the university’s commitment to the City of Carson and its residents.

“I don’t see the university as distinct from the community or having borders,” Hagan told the gathered crowd of volunteers and city officials. “We’re a part of them and they are a part of us.”

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CSUDH President Willie Hagan (left) with Carson mayor Jim Dear (center) and Carson city councilman Mike Gipson

Dinah Burnside, a freshman physical therapy student at CSU Dominguez Hills, cleaned the grass area of the park, raking leaves and painting chipped park benches. As a Los Angeles native, she said she’s never truly seen how involved a school can be with its surrounding community until she arrived at CSUDH.

“I like how the university really makes an effort to give back to the community,” Burnside said. “It’s not just a great way to make new friends and meet new people, it’s a great way to get involved.”

Burnside and other volunteers planted a tree in honor of the commemoration at Stevenson Park, while volunteers at other locations such as the Child Development Center at CSU Dominguez Hills sanitized toys and created a community garden on the playground.

“Our Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens our communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and demonstrates that, above all, Dominguez Hills is making a difference,” said Cheryl McKnight, event organizer and director of the Office of Service-Learning, Internships and Community Engagement (SLICE) at CSU Dominguez Hills.

The CSUDH Day of Service was sponsored by the CSUDH Office of Service-Learning, Internships and Community Engagement (SLICE), CSUDH Associated Students, Inc., and Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Greening CSU Dominguez Hills

April 22, 2014 By admin

California State University, Dominguez Hills strives to be a good steward to the environment, and on the occasion of Earth Day, below are just a few of the green projects currently implemented on campus to improve our carbon footprint and be more sustainable.

Recycling

In 2013 alone, the campus recycled nearly 200,000 pounds of paper, plastic, glass, cardboard and cans, approximately 34,000 pounds more than 2012. In addition, the university’s recycle program now recycles green waste, construction and demolition debris, concrete and dirt, electronic waste, ink and toner cartridges, scrap metal and wood pallets.

The main push of the recycling program on campus is in the collection of paper generated in offices. Since 2007, the recycle program coordinator Jose Robledo has worked to increase the number of blue recycling containers that are available for office use. Suites and offices can request large, medium, and small blue recycle bins from him.

An area that could see expansion in the future is in the collection of bottles and cans. A student-led research project collected data on what areas on campus had the highest traffic, and surveyed the location of bottle and can recycling containers and trash cans. Robledo said the data gathered from that project will help him make more informed decisions on how to improve that program, which currently includes 50 recycling containers around campus.

To learn more about the Recycle Program, contact Jose Robledo at (310) 243-2161.

Loker Student Union

The water filling station helps students reduce their use of plastic bottles.
The water filling station helps students reduce their use of plastic bottles.

The social hub of campus, the Loker Student Union sees more traffic than most buildings on campus, and with that comes electricity usage and waste. Through the years, the union management has done a number of things to become more sustainable:

In all restrooms in the building, urinals and toilets have automatic flushers and soap and paper towel dispensers are automatic as well, to reduce over-usage.

Through a Greenovation Grant funded by the Chancellor’s Office and in partnership with Associated Students Inc., the LSU installed the Water Bottle Filling Station and distributed BPA-free water bottles to students.

The union uses reclaimed water for irrigation throughout its landscaped areas.

They contribute to the overall campus recycling efforts with recycling containers for bottles and cans throughout the building, and through the recycling of cardboard.

Energy Efficiency

Through a service-learning project with students in Natural Resources GEO 420 over a year ago, the university inventoried lighting usage and researched energy saving alternatives that resulted in the installation of more than 400 light sensors in the hallways and in some office spaces within Welch Hall and the South Academic Complex. The energy savings is significant, with as much as a 78 percent energy savings realized alone in the hallways that have the new sensors.

By the end of the year, new LED light sensors will be installed in the hallways and outside corridors of the Natural Science and Mathematics and Social and Behavioral Science buildings, with an expected 90 percent energy savings in those areas.

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