Who We Are

CBHN is the voice and trusted resource for Black Health Equity in California and the only Black-led, statewide organization dedicated to advancing health equity for all African Americans and Black Immigrants.

What We Do

CBHN conducts outreach, education, advocacy/policy and programmatic work to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.

Vision

A California where all Black residents can live long, healthy lives free of systemic inequities and communities are empowered to define and drive their own health outcomes and future.

Mission

To advance health equity for Black Californians by improving health literacy, strengthening community power, and advocating for protecting the health and healthcare of our community.

Focus and Direction

CBHN focuses on three interrelated pillars:

  • Health Empowerment and Navigation – Equipping Black Californians with tools to navigate a shifting health system, become more empowered to take charge of their healthcare, have a greater sense of agency, and focus on disease prevention.
  • Community Power and Networks – Building grassroots strength through the Black Health Network (BHN), peer-led networks, the HEAT Program alumni, and partnerships with like-minded and community-based organizations to define and drive their own health outcomes and future.
  • Advocacy and Policy – Ensuring Black voices shape how healthcare and equity policies are created and implemented.

Priorities

CBHN’s priorities are to:

  • Provide a structure for coordinated efforts to improve the health status of Black Californians.
  • Establish partnerships with and mobilize support for the work of the community and other statewide health organizations serving Black Californians.
  • Increase participation of Black Californians in policy making at all levels within the health industry and the public sector.
  • Advocate for policy changes that increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in education and healthcare delivery.
  • Build strong and mutually supportive relationships with other ethnic advocacy organizations, community groups, public agencies, civic and community leaders and public officials committed to improving the health of all Californians.
  • Serve as a resource on health policies and related issues for organizations working to improve the health of Black Californians.

These priorities support efforts that address the underlying factors that determine the health status of Black Californians and inform policy initiatives to reduce disparities.