This behavioral health networking event brought together providers, advocates, and community partners as Success Over Stigma joined Access California’s regional convening.
On November 7th, Jesse Shaw, Peer Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator with Interim, Inc.’s Success Over Stigma program, attended ACCESS California’s 2024 Regional Networking Event in Oakland, CA. This event brought together advocates, clients, and community health workers from across the region to strengthen support for behavioral health and share resources among neighboring counties.
The conference featured several workshops, including a Community Empowerment Workshop that educated participants on behavioral health advocacy opportunities. Attendees learned about local access points and advocacy strategies to support clients and peers in need. In the Leadership Workshop, behavioral health leaders and decision-makers gained insight into local health planning, funding, and programming requirements introduced under the new Behavioral Health Services Act (Prop 1).
The event also hosted a listening session, creating an interactive space for dialogue among participants. Attendees discussed actionable strategies to provide better services to diverse and rural communities, sharing ideas that bridged perspectives across counties, including Monterey, San Benito, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and Sonoma.
Reflecting on a particularly moving moment from the event, Shaw shared a quote from one of the speakers:
“One of the most powerful tools that we have for advocacy is HOPE, which stands for ‘Honoring One’s Personal Experience.’ When we share our stories, we honor ourselves and demonstrate our own ability to make a difference.”