On October 29-30, 2025, CBHN held its first ever health equity summit – “The Urgency of Now: Protecting Our Communities’ Health and Healthcare” convened health equity officers, policymakers, public health leaders, community leaders, and individuals form across the state who are on the frontlines of protecting and advancing health equity in California. The summit occurred at a pivotal and what seems like an ever-changing moment in California’s healthcare landscape.
Through Medicaid cuts, elimination of ACA subsidies, and stricter eligibility requirements, up to 1.8 million Californians could lose health insurance coverage as a result of OBBBA, with about 150,000–180,000 of those being Black Californians. For Black Californians—who already face disproportionate barriers to care—these changes threaten to deepen existing disparities. The expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits, new Medicaid work requirements, and reduced federal support for safety-net programs could significantly limit access to affordable, quality healthcare.
This summit was not just timely, it was a call to action!
Featured Keynote Speakers
Aletha Maybank
President/CEO Novellawells, LLC
David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD
President of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
