The grant, from MetLife through the national program Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elderly), will support a special project this semester by CSUN, local community centers, schools and anti-poverty agencies.

"As a Project SHINE recipient, CSUN was invited (to apply) to participate in the MetLife Health Literacy Initiative to expand the scope of one of our most popular and important service-learning programs into the critical arena of health care," said Maureen Rubin, founder of Northridge's Center for Community Service-Learning, which received the grant along with the university's Department of Health Sciences. She is also co-director of the project

Northridge is one of three universities nationwide selected to participate in the one-semester pilot program. As part of the initiative, English as a Second Language teachers will field test new health literacy materials assisted by Northridge students studying health sciences.

Under the direction of health sciences professor Debra Sheets, co-director of the MetLife Initiative, the students will design two health fairs/outreach events featuring interactive booths and lessons to address the health issues and literacy needs of elderly immigrants. The health fairs will take place at MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) in Pacoima from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on April 21 and at the Guadalupe Community Center in Canoga Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 19. Both fairs are open to the public.

"The MetLife Health Initiative gives our health sciences students an opportunity to address the health-related needs of older adults, particularly Hispanics, who are often isolated and unable to participate in the broader community because they do not speak English," Sheets said.