Morning Session — The Science of Lifestyle Medicine & Disease Burdens

8:30 AM – 12:00 PMession

Speaker

8:00 – 8:30

Registration

8:30 – 8:45

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Columbus Batiste, MD - Scott Stoll, MD - Deborah Deas, M.D., M.P.H.

8:45 – 9:30

Session 1 - The Power of Community Health

Scott Stoll, MD - The Plantrician Project

This presentation explores the power of community as one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, drivers of lasting lifestyle change. In the midst of a growing epidemic of loneliness and its profound health consequences, we will examine the science of how relationships, belonging, and social environments shape dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and the identity that ultimately sustains transformation. Attendees will discover why long-term dietary and lifestyle change is rarely achieved through information alone, but through connection, support, shared purpose, and a renewed vision of who we are becoming.

9:30 – 10:15

Session 2 - Creating a Healthy Heart Nation

Columbus Batiste, MD - Healthy Heart Nation

10:15 – 10:30

Break

10:30 – 11:15

Session 3 - Obesity and Kidney Health

Sean Hashmi, MD - Kaiser Permanente

11:15– 12:00

Session 4 - Impact of Nutrition on Population Health

Mario Simms, PhD - UC Riverside

Plant-Based Lunch & Resource Fair

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

A catered plant-based lunch demonstrates that healthy eating is delicious, accessible, and culturally relevant. The menu features diverse cuisines reflecting the Inland Empire’s multicultural community. During lunch, attendees connect with one another and with community organizations.

Afternoon Session — Building Community Health

1:00 PM – 5:00 PMSession

Speaker

1:00 – 1:45

Blue Zones & the HEART Initiative: community-wide transformation that lasts - Moderated by Columbus Batiste 

JC Belliard – Loma Linda University HEART Initiative 

Erin Edwards - Blue Zones Project Riverside

Creating lasting community transformation requires more than good intentions. It demands strategic partnerships, community engagement, and systems that support health and well-being for all. In this dynamic conversation, Erin Edwards, representing the Blue Zones approach to community design and well-being, and Juan Carlos Belliard, representing the Health Assessments and Rapid Transformation (HEART) Initiative's equity-centered community engagement model, will explore how sustainable change happens when organizations collaborate to address the social, environmental, and systemic factors that influence health.

Together, they will discuss lessons learned, successful strategies, and the critical role of community voice, and collective action in building healthier, more vibrant communities where people can thrive. Attendees will gain insights into how diverse approaches can work in concert to create meaningful and lasting impact.

1:45 – 2:30

Faith Leaders: the church as a health institution - Moderated by Scott Stoll

Pastor Alfonzo Greene III - Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church 

Pastor Steven Sheppard - St. Paul AME Church

For generations, churches have served as trusted pillars of support, providing not only spiritual guidance but also addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of their communities. This engaging panel will explore the vital role faith communities play in advancing health and well-being, reducing health disparities, and fostering healthier lifestyles.

Faith leaders will share how their congregations are serving as centers of healing, education, advocacy, and connection by addressing issues such as chronic disease prevention, mental health, nutrition, health screenings, and access to care. Attendees will gain insight into how churches can leverage their unique influence, partnerships, and trusted relationships to create healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

2:30 – 3:15

Beyond the Clinic: How Trusted Community Spaces Are Transforming Health - Moderated by Columbus Batiste, MD

Timothy Stansell -Thee Latest 

Lasting health transformation happens when healthcare extends beyond traditional settings and into everyday life. This panel explores innovative partnerships that leverage barbershops, salons, community organizations, and local gathering places as powerful engines of health equity and community wellness.

3:15 – 3:30

Break

3:30 – 4:15

From Healthcare to Health: Building the Healthiest Inland Empire Together - Moderated by Michelle Burroughs

The Inland Empire faces some of the nation's most significant challenges related to chronic disease, health disparities, food insecurity, and access to preventive care. No single organization can address these challenges alone. In this timely discussion, leaders explore what it will take to create lasting community-wide transformation. Together, they will discuss the future of healthcare, the role of prevention and lifestyle medicine, and how partnerships across healthcare, government, education, faith communities, and business can help build communities where every person can be well.

4:15 – 4:45

Leading for Health: The Power of Public Policy to Transform Communities - Moderated by Danette Batiste

Health outcomes are influenced by where people live, learn, work, worship, and play. This panel examines the unique opportunity local government leaders have to advance health through policy decisions, funding priorities, and strategic partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into how public leadership can become a catalyst for healthier, more vibrant communities. 

4:45 – 5:00

Closing: Commitment to Action & Next Steps

Columbus Batiste, MD & Scott Stoll, MD