During a recent government meeting focused on mental health and disability, panelists and attendees emphasized the urgent need for public entities to better reflect the diversity of their communities. Concerns were raised about the lack of urgency in implementing policies and the disconnect between public officials and community needs.

Assemblymember Lowe highlighted the importance of community engagement, suggesting that organizations should host town hall forums to facilitate dialogue between the public and officials. He noted that recent advocacy efforts, such as those by the Korean Community Center of the East Bay, demonstrated the power of community mobilization in addressing local issues, particularly regarding the allocation of prevention funds.

Assemblymember Mike Fong echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for data disaggregation and equitable resource distribution to serve underrepresented communities, including East American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. He called for continued collaboration with local nonprofits to enhance mental health services.

The meeting also addressed the stigma surrounding mental health in immigrant communities, where distrust of government services often leads to delayed healthcare access. Participants underscored the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and advocating for necessary support.

In closing, the committee outlined four key recommendations, with a strong emphasis on the collection and analysis of data to inform future actions. The meeting served as a platform for community voices to be heard, reinforcing the commitment to advocate for more inclusive and effective mental health policies.