Sierra Health Foundation

As we process the results of the 2024 election, our commitment to health and racial justice for all Californians remains unwavering. We’ll continue to amplify the voices, power and impact of marginalized communities in forging a healthier future. Today, we join with California’s leading philanthropic organizations in reaffirming our commitment to protecting equity, dignity and opportunity for all communities. Read these joint statements on our website: https://lnkd.in/g_XUm5zV ~~~ California Community Foundation, California Black Freedom Fund, The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, College Futures Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, The James Irvine Foundation, Latino Community Foundation, Liberty Hill Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Meadow Fund, Tipping Point Community, Weingart Foundation ~~~ Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Blueshield of California Foundation, The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, Metta Fund ~~~ #UnityAndProgress #ForThePeople #CAValues #UnitedForCalifornia #UnityandProgress?

**Proud Partner Spotlight** Destigmatizing behavioral health issues and prioritizing rest are vital steps in preventing substance use within the local Latinx community, as shared by Alejandra Perez from TrueCare, a proud partner of The Center's Elevate Youth California program. Alejandra emphasizes that substance use is often a symptom of deeper, rooted issues within the community and stresses the importance of investing in community engagement to empower youth and young adults to advocate for change, even in the face of opposition. Despite cultural norms and resistance, Alejandra finds strength in knowing that her peers are united and supportive, allowing her to continue to "fight the good fight" and make lasting impacts. Learn more about the incredible work of Elevate Youth CA’s partners by visiting the link: https://lnkd.in/gSDDPZTX #Rest #CommunityEngagement #FightTheGoodFight #ElevateYouth

**Creating Safe Spaces and Support Networks for Black Youth**? “When the system doesn’t work, the community always works. Find your people — they got you.”??- Dr. Stacey Ault, founder and CEO of RAGE Mental health matters, and the Never a Bother campaign, supported by Sierra Health Foundation's Youth Suicide Prevention Media and Outreach initiative, is committed to reducing youth suicide, self-harm and suicide attempts among disproportionately impacted youth.? One powerful example of this work in action is the The Race and Gender Equity (RAGE) Project. Founded in 2016, RAGE was born out of a collective determination to address systemic inequities. The organization focuses on healing, education, advocacy, and research to advance the well-being of Black women and youth.? Through a youth-led coworking and healing space in Sacramento, RAGE has created a safe haven where Black youth can connect, express themselves freely, and build meaningful relationships. With many community centers closing and after-school programs becoming limited, these spaces are essential for fostering belonging and emotional well-being.? This mission is deeply intertwined with the Never a Bother campaign, which works tirelessly to ensure that Black youth have access to life-saving resources and support systems. Together with programs like RAGE, the campaign is helping to redefine mental health support by combining culturally relevant approaches, outreach and awareness.? Learn more about these vital efforts and the ongoing fight to provide safe spaces for Black youth in the full story featured by **The OBSERVER**.? Read the full story: [The OBSERVER Article](https://lnkd.in/gTqfqGNX)?? Discover the Never a Bother campaign: [Never a Bother] https://lnkd.in/d3Ms-Sg9 Let’s continue to build a community where Black youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.? #NeverABother #YouthSuicidePrevention #BlackYouthHealing #CommunitySupport #RAGEProject #MentalHealthMatters??

Our CEO Chet P. Hewitt recently joined Susan Mims MD MPH (Dogwood Health Trust) and Dr. Kanika Tomalin (Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg) for Grantmakers In Health's virtual panel on Weathering the Storm: Health Funders' Role in Climate Emergency Response. Each speaker shared their experience as a health foundation leader supporting local communities navigating disaster response and recovery from California wildfires to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many thanks to Grantmakers in Health for hosting this timely, important discussion. It is critical to continue to learn from these experiences and invest in public health and community infrastructure as climate change drives more and more extreme weather emergencies. See upcoming webinars at the Grantmakers in Health website: https://lnkd.in/gRdHHBYP

**Breaking Barriers for Young Men of Color**? Since 2014, My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento, proudly managed by The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation, has been transforming the lives of young men of color by addressing systemic barriers in health, education, workforce development and juvenile justice.? With the guidance of Program Officer Ray Green, we’re tackling challenges like pervasive hypermasculinity, lack of resources, and negative stereotypes that impact mental well-being. By creating safe spaces and connecting young men with trusted mentors, our team helps them realize they're not the problem — inequitable systems are.? We’re honored to see The Sacramento Observer highlight this critical work and the tangible change made in the lives of Black youth in Sacramento and beyond. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative and building a brighter, more equitable future.? Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gTqfqGNX Learn more about My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento: [MBK Sacramento] https://lnkd.in/gP3rtMPr? #MBKSacramento #YoungMenOfColor #EquityMatters #BreakingBarriers #CommunityEmpowerment??

How does creating belonging stop the hate? The Center's 35 program service partners across Northern California and San Joaquin Valley are working collaboratively to create belonging. Stop the Hate is more than just a campaign — it’s a movement to build a world where everyone feels safe and valued. Our program partners are uniting diverse communities through educational programs, support services and community events. Together, we’re cultivating empathy, encouraging allyship, increasing understanding and building a shared sense of hope. By ensuring everyone feels welcome to be their authentic selves, we create a more compassionate future for all. We're grateful for the partnership with Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties and their local funded partners in spreading this crucial message across the state. Visit our website https://lnkd.in/gyx7z2Gu to learn more and join the movement. #StopTheHate #CommunityImpact #TogetherForChange

The Center’s Community Responsive Wellness Program welcomes Dr. Tameka Jackson, with partner We Are Holding Space, Sacramento space, to our team of dedicated therapists. Dr. Tameka Jackson is a licensed psychologist with Holding Space, and she also maintains a thriving private practice where she provides individual and couples therapy. She’s deeply committed to delivering culturally affirming care and brings a wealth of experience in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Black community. This program offers free therapy services to eligible Sacramento community members. Visit the link in our bio to see if you qualify and apply today. #CommunityWellness #FreeTherapy #MentalHealthSupport #Sacramento #BlackCommunity #CulturallyInformedCare -- LINK IN BIO:?https://lnkd.in/gtVz27M2 --

**A Holistic Approach to Black Youth Mental Health**? The Center at Sierra Health Foundation is proud to lead the way in addressing the Black youth mental health crisis in Sacramento and beyond. Through our Community Responsive Wellness Program led by Amaya Noguera-Mujica, we’ve partnered with local nonprofits and government agencies to create community-based, trauma-informed solutions for those ages 25 and under.? From providing basic needs like housing and food to offering up to 12 free therapy sessions for economically disadvantaged individuals, we're committed to redefining what mental health support looks like. Our mission is not only to save lives, but to create safe spaces where the Black youth community feels seen, heard and supported.? We’re honored to see **The Sacramento Observer** highlight the transformative impact of this program and our shared commitment to fostering equity, compassion and resilience within our communities.? Discover the full story and learn more about how we’re working to make lasting change:? Read the story: https://lnkd.in/gTqfqGNX Learn about our program: [Community Responsive Wellness Program] https://lnkd.in/gK-RFPBF #BlackYouthMentalHealth #CommunityHealing #TraumaInformedCare #EquityMatters #SupportingOurYouth

*Proud Partnership Spotlight* "My community is one that thrives in all conditions, against all odds, and my community is one that deserves to thrive." It’s essential to empower 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults to lead initiatives that uplift their communities, especially when facing substance use disorder. Cerberus from Queer Humboldt, a partner of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation's Elevate Youth California program, emphasizes the importance of building and nurturing relationships: "I have had community members, youth, elders, people thank me in ways I didn't even know I deserved gratitude for. This work is life-saving and it's impactful." Together, through Elevate Youth California, we're creating spaces for youth to lead, heal and inspire change. Want to hear more from our amazing partners and their impactful, community-based work? Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gSDDPZTX

Find what you need with The Center’s, at the Sierra Health Foundation's, Community Responsive Wellness Program, offering free therapy services focused on the Black/African American community in Sacramento. With the support of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and in collaboration with We Are Holding Space, Sacramento, we’re here to provide culturally responsive, crisis-focused therapy. If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, you may qualify for 12 complimentary therapy sessions with our dedicated team of therapists. Visit the link in our bio to see if you meet our diagnostic criteria and start your journey to mental wellness today. Unsure if therapy is right for you? Our trusted community partners Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC), ONTRACK Program Resources, and Improve Your Tomorrow are here to help you navigate your path to wellness.?? #CommunityWellness #FreeTherapy #MentalHealthSupport #Sacramento #BlackCommunity #CulturallyInformedCare https://lnkd.in/gtVz27M2