As an Advocate…
We champion systems and policy changes that align with our mission and Focus Areas. We seek to amplify our role as a bold policy advocate by collaborating with government partners, local leaders, and community-based organizations to catalyze change, primarily at the county level.
Current advocacy priorities include expansion of medically tailored meal (MTM) interventions, as well as strategies to support people living with HIV/AIDS and/or diabetes.
Examples of our recent advocacy efforts include:
- Launching the Health Equity Agenda with the Behavioral Health Contractors’ Association of Santa Clara County, Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet, Community Health Partnership, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department, Santa Clara Family Health Plan, and Working Partnerships USA, a set of projects to address local health disparities and an index to track key health equity metrics.
- Sponsoring state legislation in partnership with the Asian Liver Center at Stanford Medicine to close disparities in diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis, especially for communities of color. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Oct. 4, 2021.
- Providing staff support for a countywide Health & Racial Equity Task Force during the pandemic, jointly led by elected officials from the County of Santa Clara and the City of San Jose.