In 2020, Santa Cruz County declared racism a public health crisis in our county and proceeded with urgency to address inequities impacting the marginalized populations in our community. Since 2020, United Way of Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative (SCCBHMI) have worked to increase visibility of the social determinants of health impacting the Black/African American community in Santa Cruz County. 

We’re honored to highlight their Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative Spotlight 2021. 

Among the report’s findings are insights on Black/African American community members’ health and well-being (including physical, mental health, behavioral health and financial well-being), parenting and education, as well as belonging and safety. 

We encourage you to take the time to review the full report at: https://bit.ly/3uUnJYF and consider what actions you can take to make our community a more equitable place for our Black/African American community members.