Elmer Flores

Elmer Flores is a Master of Social Welfare and Master of Public Health student at UCLA,specializing in Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan and Community HealthSciences. He currently serves as a clinical social work intern at the UCLA School ofDentistry’s Special Patient Care Clinic, where he supports patients with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities and complex medical needs through psychosocialassessments, care coordination, and systems-level advocacy. Elmer brings a strongbackground in both direct practice and research, with previous experience at LA CountyDepartment of Mental Health's San Antonio Family Center, American Indian Health &Services, and New Beginnings Safe Parking Program. His policy and research interestsinclude community-based interventions, health equity, and systems navigation forunderserved populations. He has contributed to participatory research on homelessnessthrough Cottage Health’s Center for Population Health and supported grassrootsadvocacy with CAUSE, focusing on immigrant and housing justice. Elmer is committedto advancing disability justice and inclusive public health systems through trauma-informed care, culturally-responsive services, and interdisciplinary collaboration."