A season of gratitude and giving: Ramadan & Eid explained
Workgroups develop plans to address Statewide Goals
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EQUITY COMMITTEE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EQUITY COMMITTEE
is dedicated to impacting behavioral health services by promoting recovery and wellness in diverse communities
Collectively, we aim to:
Create awareness
Eliminate disparities
Reduce stigma
Increase engagement
Recommend community-informed policies
Expand equitable access to behavioral health services
Work to ensure culturally responsive, inclusive, intersectional and trauma-informed care in Orange County
Cultural & Awareness Highlights
February 2026
Black History Month
Lunar New Year (Feb. 17)
Ramadan (Feb. 17 - Mar. 19)
March 2026
Development Disabilities Awareness Month (Mar. 16-20)
Deaf History Month
Women’s History Month
National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
Holi (Mar. 3)
Eid al-Fitr (Mar. 20)
Persian New Year - Nowruz (Mar. 20)
Lunar New Year: Honoring Traditions and New Beginnings
Lunar New Year marks the start of the lunar calendar and is celebrated across East and Southeast Asia as a time of family, hope, and new beginnings. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Fire-Horse, symbolizing intense energy, passion, and rapid transformation.
The celebration begins on the first new m ending with the Lantern Festival. Tradi honoring ancestors, festive meals, firewo envelopes for luck and protection. Popul symbolize wealth and abundance.
Lunar New Year also highlights values like gratitude, connection, and community - principles that support behavioral well-being and foster inclusion. More than a holiday, it’s a time to honor heritage, strengthen bonds, and share hopes for the future.
Traditionally, red envelopes (hongbao) are given by elders to children and younger family members as a blessing for prosperity and protection in the new year. The color red symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr:
A Time of Reflection and Celebration
Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn to dusk, Muslims don’t eat or drink – focusing instead on gratitude, self-discipline, and helping others. This practice reminds people to appreciate what they have and care for those in need.
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, known as the “Hilal”. Since it follows the lunar calendar, the month is either 29 or 30 days. Also, each year, the date moves up roughly 11 days.
Every day at sunset, those observing will break their fast, typically on dates and water, followed by a full meal. This “breaking of the fast” is also known as “Iftar.” It is customary for Muslims to gather at the mosque for the evening prayer and offer additional nightly prayers in congregation throughout the month.
At the end of Ramadan comes Eid al-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It is a joyful celebration with family gatherings, delicious meals, and giving to charity, so everyone can share in the happiness.
The traditional greeting during Eid is “Eid Mubarak. ” It means “Blessed Eid” and is a way to wish others joy and peace during the holiday.
Behavioral Health Connection:
Ramadan and Eid teach values we all share – mindfulness, gratitude, generosity, and community – principles that strengthen behavioral health and celebrate the diversity that makes our community stronger.
The Arabic word for date is “Tamr” , and in many cultures, offering dates to guests is a sign of hospitality and respect.
The Behavioral Health Equity Committee (BHEC) is the County of Orange’s mandated Cultural Competency Committee, established under California regulations that require counties to maintain a Cultural Competence Plan (CCR, Title 9, § 1810.410).
This plan ensures behavioral health services are culturally and linguistically appropriate for all residents. BHEC plays a central role in shaping this plan and advancing equity across Orange County’s behavioral Health system.
BHEC is comprised of eight (8) specialized workgroups, each focusing on different aspects of equity – such as language access, cultural responsiveness, workforce diversity, and community engagement. These workgroups meet regularly to develop strategies and recommendations that feed into the County’s Cultural Competency Plan, which is updated annually. Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Black/ AfricanAmerican (B/AA) Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Advancing Behavioral Health Equity: What It Really Means
Behavioral health equity ensures that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, income, language, or identity – has fair and just access to quality mental health and substance use services and achieves equitable outcomes.
As defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator (SAMHSA), equity is about “consistent and systematic, fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including those in historically underserved communities.” This means removing barriers, tailoring care to cultural needs, and closing gaps in outcomes.
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Why it matters: Equity isn’t just access – it’s about making sure care works for everyone.
Orange County’s Behavioral Health Integrated Plan (BHIP): Building a Stronger System Together
What is BHIP?
The Behavioral Health Integrated Plan (BHIP) is Orange County’s new three-year roadmap for mental health and substance use services. It brings all funding sources – state, federal, and local – into one plan to make care easier to access, more equitable, and more effective for our communities.
A 3-year plan combining all funding sources into one integrated system Annual budget = $800M
Why It Matters?
Better coordination: Services work together so care is easier to navigate. Community-driven: Your voice shapes priorities and programs. Transparency: Clear goals and reporting keep the process accountable.
Easier to get care Fair and inclusive services Better health for all
How Did We Get Here?
After Proposition 1 (2024) and the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), counties must plan all behavioral health services within a single integrated system. This ensures funding and services align to meet community needs.
How It Works?
BHIP: Orange County’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health
Integrated Care for a Healthier Community
What’s next?
The draft BHIP is now open for a 30-day public comment period. Take a moment to review the plan and share your feedback by March 27, 2026. Your input helps shape Orange County’s Behavioral Health system. Scan the QR code to access the draft plan and submit your comments. The Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) will host a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at:
County Administration North - Multi-Purpose Room 400 Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Asian American and Pacific Islander
Will advance equity through culturally grounded engagement and stigma reduction. They will integrate behavioral health messaging into Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival celebrations, promote mental health awareness during AAPI Heritage Month, and support community wellness activities tied to Mid-Autumn Festival and year-end traditions. These efforts will strengthen trust, reduce stigma, and ensure services reflect the cultural values of AAPI communities.
Will work to improve access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. They will create ASL video translations for resource guides, develop policies for ASL requests, and launch cultural competency training for behavioral health staff. These efforts will reduce barriers and ensure equitable, linguistically appropriate care for all.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Outreach to the Black/African American
Will focus on creating a shared database to connect community members with resources through OC Navigator and OC HCA. They will collaborate monthly with partners to design the database and explore strategies to improve birth outcomes and service coordination. These efforts will strengthen trust and ensure equitable access to behavioral health services for Black and African American communities.
Will focus on building trust and improving access for LGBTQ+ communities. They will develop a comprehensive EIAP plan, create a contact list and email campaign to strengthen communication, and begin drafting a master plan for 2027. These efforts will lay the foundation for inclusive behavioral health services that reflect the needs and voices of LGBTQ+ individuals.
BHEC Steering Committee
Co-Chairs
Dr. Deana Helmy, EdD, LMFT, MBA
Health Services Manager, OC Health Care Agency
Dr. Luna Lu, PsyD
Clinical Director, AASCSC
Community Members
Duan Tran, MSW Professor, Cal State Fullerton
Johnice Williams Community Liaison
Mario Oretga
Chief Executive Officer, Abrazar, Inc.
Rebecca Freeman
Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
Virginia (Gina) Arvizu-Sanchez, LCSW
Project Director, Sacred Path
County Members
April Thornton, LMFT
Program Manager, OC Health Care Agency
Belinda McCleese, LMFT
BHC II, OC Health Care Agency
Claudia Gonzalez de Griese, LMFT
BHC II, OC Health Care Agency
Dr. Golnoush (Goli) Hooshvar, Ph.D., LMFT
BHC II, OC Health Care Agency
Nichole Duplesse
Health Program Specialist, OC Health Care Agency
Wesley Shain, MHA
Staff Specialist, OC Health Care Agency
Important Dates & Events
Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) - General Meeting
Every 4 Wednesday of the Month th 10:00am - 11:45am
601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
MPR & County Conference Center Rm #104
Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) - Study Committee Meeting
Every 2 Wednesday of the Month nd 10:00am - 11:45am
601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
MPR & County Conference Center Rm #104
Behavioral Health Equity Committee (BHEC) Quarterly Public Meeting March 30, 2026
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Behavioral Health Training Center
750 The City Drive, South, Orange, CA 92868
Community Suicide Prevention Coalition April 15 & July 15, 2026
9:00am - 11:30pm
Behavioral Health Training Center
750 The City Drive, South, Orange, CA 92868
Behavioral Health Equity Committee - Summit September 24, 2026
