Event Date: May 22, 2024
Location: Oroville, CA
HCCBC’s mental health summit began with an acknowledgment speech from the HCCBC Board of Directors Chairman and Mayor Pittman of Oroville, followed by a performance of traditional Hmong music. The objective was to create a safe space for participants and community members to learn about and share resources on mental health, focusing on services for the Hmong community. Activities included a talk show recording where participants shared their feelings about mental health, an Easter Egg hunt for prizes, and the sharing of traditional Hmong poetry songs. Informational booths from partnering agencies provided resources on mental health needs and service experiences in different cultural communities, aligning with the training plan’s emphasis on Mental Health, Needs, and Service Experiences in Different Cultural Communities.
Participants, primarily from the elderly “Happy” Zoosiab program and other community members, engaged in activities designed to improve their mental health and well-being. The event reduced isolation and increased social interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Elders volunteered to prepare traditional food, enhancing cultural connection and involvement. These activities demonstrated Best Practices to Promote Language Access and Culturally Responsive Service Approaches by ensuring that the services and resources were accessible and relevant to the Hmong community. The event provided a platform for participants to express their cultural heritage and mental health needs, thereby promoting equity and the amplification of their voices in services.
The intended outcomes of the event were successfully reached, with a total of 76 participants from Oroville, Chico, Marysville, and Yuba City attending, surpassing the goal of 50 attendees. Rural communities were engaged through outreach efforts, including social media, radio shows, and local Hmong stores. The event facilitated Shared Decision Making, Power Sharing, and Promoting Equity by involving participants in the planning and execution of activities, such as the preparation of food and the sharing of garden produce. The positive feedback from attendees indicated that the event was engaging and informative, providing valuable resources and enhancing the sense of community and well-being, thereby achieving the core training objectives.