The UCR School of Medicine Center for Healthy Communities (CHC) has announced the recipients of its annual Community Medicine and Population Health Mini-Grants Program for 2026. The program funds up to two community health and population medicine initiatives per year and has awarded more than $60,000 to over the past seven years.

This year's winners are:

Milo and the Calm Crew: A Storybook for Growing Calm Minds

Milo and the Calm Crew is a pilot intervention to promote emotional regulation in children at the Coachella Valley Free Clinic. This bilingual children’s picture book weaves evidence-based emotional regulation strategies into a child-friendly narrative. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding, visualization, and self-soothing touch are presented in engaging and accessible ways to help children build early coping skills and support emotional wellness.

Pictured at right is Aayma Irfan, MS3, receiving the check from Michelle Burroughs, DHA, MPH, director of the Center for Healthy Communities.

Communities of Practice for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) in Inland Southern California — NDD Circle

Caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) can be complex, and many parents experience high levels of caregiver burden, especially following a new diagnosis. The NDD Circle intervention fosters supportive learning communities where parents and caregivers can share experiences, exchange resources, and develop self-advocacy skills to better support their children’s needs.

The recipients, pictured at right with Burroughs, include: Brittney Zendejas, MS2, Xenab Ahmadpoor, MS2, Lucia Hong, MS4, Helen Setaghiyan, MS4, Saja Zidan, MS2, and Eljohn De La Cruz, MS2. Not pictured are faculty advisor Adwoa Osei, MD, Valine Bebawy, MS2, and Jaimie Le, MS2.

"We would like to extend special appreciation to our valued community partner, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), for their generous support in sponsoring one of this year’s awardees," said Burroughs. "Their partnership strengthens our collective ability to invest in innovative, community-driven solutions that advance the health and well-being of families across Inland Southern California."