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Committee spotlights cultural barriers to services and strategies to build trust
Summary
Members highlighted food insecurity, distrust of data collection, language barriers and the effect of Medi‑Cal changes on access; the committee discussed trauma‑informed outreach, use of promotoras/CHWs, and small operational changes to improve access.
Sharon Jones opened discussion of cultural considerations and supportive strategies, urging staff and partners to prioritize community needs and trauma‑informed approaches.
Members raised concrete barriers: Fernando Granados cited the rise in cost of living as intensifying service needs; Katalina Zambrano described food insecurity among Latino families and community distrust tied to data collection during outreach; Stefani Rosas Soto said recent Medi‑Cal changes have reduced access and increased demand for rental assistance and related supports. Crystal Ramos noted transitional‑age youth face barriers to workforce entry, housing and transport.
Discussion focused on practical responses: rethinking data collection to reduce fear, providing clear upfront information about policies and services, deploying community health workers and promotoras, and prioritizing relationship‑building before clinical interventions. The committee did not adopt new policy in the meeting but identified these strategies as priorities for outreach and the upcoming public hearing process.
