The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) work groups continue to advance implementation in three community-identified priority areas (see the Chip Report).  Mental Health, Access to Healthcare Services, and Social Determinants of Health work groups guide progress towards a shared vision of health equity. 

The Mental Health work group has finalized its vision and overarching goal. The vision is: All individuals and communities in San Mateo County feel empowered, supported, and engaged in mental wellbeing. The overarching goal is: Develop a county-wide and cohesive approach to improve mental well-being with a focus on decreasing disparities, especially among individuals and communities who are experiencing barriers caused by structural inequities including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism, ageism, and homophobia. 

In addition, new co-leads have been identified for two of the three work groups. The leads are as follows:

• Access to Healthcare Services Co-leads: Ana Avendano (El Concilio), Chris Esguerra (Health Plan of San Mateo) and Corina Chung (County Health)
• Mental Health Co-leads: Luci Latu (Taulama for Tongans) and Doris Estremera (County Health);
• Social Determinants of Health Co-leads: Rafael Avendano (Redwood City Together) and Veena Raghavan (County Health)

Congratulations to the co-chairs on their dedication to guiding collaborative decision-making and actionable change for healthier communities!  Learn more about the CHIP Priorities or join a work group!