This year, we’re embracing three simple ideas: Hope. Heal. Thrive.
Community and connection matter. Highlighting the power of supportive relationships and safe spaces in mental well-being. Feeling seen, heard, and valued can make a real difference in someone’s mental health journey.
Let’s keep showing up for one another and building stronger, more connected communities. Find local events, support groups, and community resources through our Events Calendar.
You can also visit OCNavigator.org for 24/7 resources and support.
A Message from Our Equity Services Manager
By Dr. Deana Helmy, EdD, MBA, LMFT, She series
an that I share this edition of the BHEC Equity Exchange, a vision that began as an idea and is now a living reflection of our shared commitment to equity across Orange County. This newsletter exists because of the dedication, collaboration, and leadership of our BHEC Steering Committee, our eight workgroups, and the many partners who work every day to make behavioral health more accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
This month, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month by uplifting the voices of our community. Throughout this issue, you will find reflections in our Community Voices section, as well as stories, updates, and highlights across Cultural Corner, Policy Pulse, and Workgroup Wire — each illustrating the heart of our mission and the power of collective care.
I am also grateful to everyone who attended our March Public Quarterly Meeting. Your engagement helped illuminate both the strengths and the challenges within our system, and your questions and insights continue to guide our work. Together, we are expanding understanding, breaking down barriers, and strengthening pathways to support.
As you explore this issue, I hope you feel the same sense of connection and purpose that fuels our work each day. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping advance behavioral health equity in every community we serve.
Warmly,
Dr. Deana Helmy Equity Services Manager
Behavioral Health Services – OC Health Care Agency
Behavioral Health Equity Committee
The 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
April 2026
Alcohol Awareness Month
Arab American Heritage Month
National Minority Health Month
Stress Awareness Month
World Autism Awareness Day (Apr. 2)
Easter (Apr. 5)
National ASL Day (Apr. 15)
Earth Day (Apr. 22)
May 2026
Asian American & Pacific
Islander Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Hajj Eid al-Adha (May 27) Missing & Murdered
Indigenous Relatives Awareness (MMIR - May 5)
June 2026
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Men’s Health Awareness Month
PTSD Awareness Month
Islamic New Year (Jun. 16)
Juneteenth (Jun. 19)
What is BHEC?
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.
Black/ AfricanAmerican (B/AA)
Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI)
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) Indigenous/
(I/N)
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.
1
Equality Equality
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.
Why it matters: Equity isn’t just access – it’s about making sure care works for everyone.
1
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2023. Behavioral Health Equity Fact Sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/health-equity-fact-sheet.pdf
Mental Health Awareness Month: What
& Why
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, communities across the U.S. have used May to spotlight mental well-being, reduce stigma, and connect people to help. An observance originally led by Mental Health America (formerly the National Association for Mental Health) and now supported by federal partners, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Why It Matters
Early awareness encourages screening, conversation, and support, especially for youth and underserved communities.
Wellness Challenge
Try This: Pick one small action this week - share a resource, check in with a friend, or explore a screening tool.
Remember:
Screenings are a starting point. For help navigating services, contact your provider, OC Links, or explore resources on the OC Navigator
Mental Health 101: Awareness, Not Diagnosis Understanding
Mental Health1
What is mental illness?
How do I know if I have one?
How common is it?
Conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior and are treatable.
Notice patterns: persistence, impact on daily life, and distress - then talk to a professional.
More than 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.
Finding accurate info online
Stick to national organizations (MHA, NAMI, NIMH), peer-reviewed sources, and government sites.
Take a Mental Health Test powered by Mental Health America (MHA)2
Try a quick, confidential mental health screening. It’s free, backed by science, and a helpful first step toward support. Adapted from: Mental Health America. (n.d.). Mental Health 101. Understanding Mental Health. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://screening.mhanational.org/mental-health-101/
LEARN MORE TAKE A TEST
2
1 Mental Health America. (n.d.). About our mental health tests. MHA Screening. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://screening.mhanational.org/about-our-mental-health-tests/
Orange County: Resources & Equity in Action
Help that Reflects our Community
Orange County is richly diverse: 1
~ 34.3% Hispanic/Latino
~ 24.3% Asian
~ 30.4% Foreign-born
~ 46.4% Speak a language other than English at home
So access must be multilingual and culturally responsive.
Where to Start
OC Navigator - Community Resource Finder
A county-wide tool offering a broad range of resources, including housing, food assistance, behavioral health, crisis support, LGBTQ+ resources and more
Call / Chat for mental health & substance use support
Languages: English | Español| Tiếng Việt
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 emotional support in moments of distress
Languages: English | Español | ASL Video | Interpretation in 200+ languages
1 OC Links - 24/7 Behavioral Health Navigation
U.S. Census Bureau. (2026). QuickFacts: Orange County, California.https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/orangecou ntycalifornia/PST045224
Juneteenth: A Story of Resilience, Freedom, and Hope
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States finally learned they were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued more than two years earlier, news and enforcement did not reach Texas until Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and read General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people were free.
Juneteenth represents a powerful moment in American history. One that honors resilience, acknowledges delayed justice, and celebrates the ongoing pursuit of equality and freedom.
Many Juneteenth celebrations highlight the color red, a warm symbol of resilience, strength, and ancestral legacy. Red foods honor West African traditions and celebrate the enduring spirit and sacrifices of Black Americans throughout history.
Why It Matters
Juneteenth carries both historical and present-day significance. It reminds us that freedom has not always reached everyone at the same time and that the work of equity, justice, and inclusion continues today.
If you’re looking to participate in local Juneteenth events, here are several community celebrations happening across Orange County:
North Orange County Buena Park
Juneteenth Celebration June 19, 2026
Boisseranc Park
Hosted by: City of Buena Park
Central Orange County Santa Ana
OC Juneteenth Festival June 20, 2026
Centennial Regional Park
Hosted by: Orange County Heritage Council
South Orange County Irvine
Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 20, 2026
Great Park
Hosted by: BIPOC Orange County
These free-events offer opportunities to enjoy live performances, support local Black-owned businesses, learn from speakers and educators, and celebrate African American culture with the community.
Behavioral Health Connection:
Juneteenth reflects core behavioral health values: healing from historical trauma, fostering resilience, and strenthening community connection. It reminds us of the ongoing work to ensure equitable access, cultural understanding, and supportive environments where all individuals can thrive.
Take care of your mind the way you care for your
body
Mental and physical health are deeply connected, and caring for both supports longterm wellness. Conditions like depression and anxiety can increase the risk of chronic illnesses, making early support especially important. Healthy habits such as regular movement, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep strengthen whole-person wellness. Even small steps, like a 10-minute walk, can boost mood and energy.
Try a simple stress-reduction practice this week, and explore free wellness resources on OC Navigator.org if you’re looking for ideas to get started.
SB 43: A New Law Helping People in Crisis Get the Care They Need
What is SB 43?
Senate Bill (SB 43) is a new California law that expands when help can be provided to people who cannot care for themselves due to a serious mental health condition, a severe substance use disorder, or both. Beginning January 1, 2026, Orange County will use this updated definition to better support individuals who cannot meet essential needs or stay safe.
SB 43 updates the definition of “gravely disabled,” which guides when someone may need involuntary support during a mental health or substance use crisis.
Why This Matters
Expands the definition for who can be placed on a hold for further evaluation.
More Information
Community Reminder
SB 43 went into effect in Orange County on January 1, 2026, and focuses on safety, dignity, and access to care.
What does “Gravely Disabled” Mean?
Since 1972, “gravely disabled” meant a person, because of a mental disorder, cannot provide basic needs: food, clothing, or shelter.
Starting 1/1/2026 in Orange County, “gravely disabled” also means: A person cannot safely care for themselves because of a mental health disorder, a severe substance use disorder, or both, and can’t provide: food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, and necessary medical care.
A severe substance use disorder is one that meets the “severe” level in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is when substance use is so serious that it affects health, safety, and day-to-day functioning.
“Personal safety” means being able to survive safely in the community without being detained or hospitalized. Examples include wandering into traffic, living in extremely unsafe conditions, or being unable to protect oneself from harm.
is
Medical Care”? Key Terms Updated by SB 43 Key Terms by SB 43 Key Updated by 43
This means medical care a licensed health professional says is needed to prevent a serious health problem from getting worse – the kind of condition that could lead to serious bodily harm if untreated.
WIC § 5008 (o)
Hosted by the OCHealth Care Agency
Wednesday, June 3 , 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm rd
Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center 24932 Veterans Way Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Meeting will discuss:
• Overview of SB 43 Expansion and Regulation Changes
• SB 43 Planning with Hospitals and First Responders
• Substance Use Disorder System of Care and Resources
• Community Questions and Answers
*Free refreshments and resources provided.
For more information visit www.ochealthinfo.com/sb43
Community Voices: What message of encouragement would you like to share with others during Mental Health Awareness Month?
Healing Happens in Community. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us of a truth we often forget in the rush of daily life:
We were never meant to carry everything alone.
Healing is not only a personal journey it is a community one. It grows in the spaces where people feel seen, accepted, and safe enough to be honest about how they’re really doing. It takes root when someone pauses long enough to ask a genuine question, when a neighbor notices a heavy day on your shoulders, or when a colleague quietly leaves room for you to breathe.
Too often, we think healing must be big, dramatic, or visible. But healing often begins in the small interactions tiny moments of compassion that tell someone,
These are the moments that restore dignity. These are the moments that remind us that mental health is intertwined with connection, equity, and belonging.
As we reflect this May, may we remember that every act of kindness, every moment of listening, and every effort to understand someone’s story contributes to a more compassionate world. And in a world that can often feel heavy, choosing empathy is not only powerful it is healing.
When community shows up with genuine care, hope becomes possible again. And hope, shared even in small doses, can transform a life.
Claudia Gonzalez de Griese, LMFT; Behavioral Health Clinician
Mental and physical health go hand in hand
Caring for both supports long-term wellness. Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety can impact physical health too, which makes early support so important.
Simple habits like regular movement, balanced meals, quality sleep, and creating healthy boundaries can make a big difference. Even a quick 10-minute walk can help boost mood, energy, and overall well-being.
Try a new wellness practice this week and explore free tools, ideas, and support at OCNavigator.org for 24/7 resources.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) Workgroup
The DHH Workgroup advanced several EIAP activities anchored in Language & Cultural Accessibility and Navigation & Service Coordination. Q1 goals included completing the ASL translation video project for OC Navigator’s DHH Resource Guides and finalizing desk procedures for ASL accommodation requests across county contact points. Despite recent technical and organizational shifts, the workgroup has continued working collaboratively to stregthen ASL procedures and support progress on the video project
The workgroup also made progress on two forward looking goals:
• Planning for contracted ASL interpreter staffing, and
• Developing a strategic plan to recruit ASL fluent behavioral health clinicians, both of which have moved through the first phase of identifying problems and exploring alternative solutions. These efforts lay foundational work for expanding equitable, linguistically accessible services.
TThe LGBTQ+ Workgroup focused Q1 on strengthening subcommittee engagement, an EIAP priority tied to Community Trust & Engagement and Representation & Workforce Equity. This quarter, the lead conducted targeted outreach to six local LGBTQ+ organizations, introducing BHEC and extending an invitation to participate in quarterly meetings and future planning efforts. Through this outreach, the workgroup identified new community contacts and will continue cultivating these relationships into Q2. Their ongoing goal is to broaden community representation and ensure LGBTQ+ voices help guide equity‑centered planning.
Black & African American Workgroup
The Black & African American Workgroup continued its EIAP aligned focus on Navigation & Service Coordination and Community Trust & Engagement. During Q1, the group began building a shared community database in partnership with 211 OC. The database will serve as a centralized resource accessible across multiple platforms, organizations, and committees, strengthening referral pathways and improving visibility of culturally responsive behavioral health supports. Workgroup members contributed names, organizations, contact information, and resource details to support the design phase. Their first development meeting with 211 OC took place on April 17, marking a significant step toward a unified, community informed navigation tool.
Spirituality Workgroup
The Spirituality Workgroup centered its Q1 efforts on strengthening Community Trust & Engagement by expanding representation from diverse faith communities across Orange County. The group has been actively recruiting through community events and professional networking, with the goal of building a more inclusive committee that can effectively address the intersections of spirituality and mental health. This work remains in progress as the subcommittee continues outreach to broaden participation.
The group is also preparing its upcoming presentation on Spirituality and Mental Health for the Meeting of the Minds Conference on May 22, which they anticipate will boost visibility for both BHEC and the subcommittee while encouraging greater involvement from local faith leaders. These efforts will help lay the foundation for deeper collaboration and more culturally responsive mental health support within faith‑based communities.
Kids and teens thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported
The importance of youth mental wellness and the power of early support. Building healthy coping skills early helps kids manage stress, grow resilience, and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
Staying active, limiting screen overload, and creating space for connection and conversation can make a real difference. We understand it can take a village. You can visit OCNavigator.org for 24/7 resources and support.
Strengthening Access Together: March Meeting Recap
The Behavioral Health Equity Committee (BHEC) held its first Public Quarterly Meeting of 2026 on March 30 at the Behavioral Health Training Center. Community members, county partners, and local organizations gathered to strengthen access to behavioral health services in Orange County.
Presenters Dawn Smith (OC Health Care Agency) and Carmen Katsarov (CalOptima Health) outlined the behavioral health continuum and explained how CalOptima Health supports individuals with mild to moderate needs while HCA Behavioral Health Services serves individuals with more severe or complex conditions.
Left to right: Carmen Katsarov, CalOptima Health; Dawn Smith, OC HCA; Dr. Delyn Fraley, Western Youth Services; Dr. Deana Helmy, OC HCA; Belisa Davis, 211 OC; Marina Haroon, OC Links.
They also provided updates on the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) and the state’s Behavioral Health Integrated Plan.
A live poll revealed that “not knowing where to start” remains one of the top barriers for people seeking behavioral health support. This insight set the stage for a hands on demonstration to show residents what the “first step” actually looks like.
Co‑Chair Dr. Deana Helmy facilitated an interactive Resource Navigation activity featuring: Marina Haroon (OC Links), Belisa Davis (Orange County United Way), and Dr. Delyn Fraley (Western Youth Services). Panelists walked through real world scenarios and shared how their organizations help individuals and families navigate eligibility, warm handoffs, communication needs, and follow up care.
“One of our primary goals for this meeting was to demystify what it means to reach out for help… We hoped to empower our community with a clearer understanding of how calls are handled, what questions are asked, and how agencies work together to make the process as approachable and human as possible.”
Dr. Deana Helmy, Equity Services Manager - HCA Behavioral Health Services
A QR-code-enabled Q&A allowed participants to submit questions anonymously and was centered around the following topics: service navigation communication supports staff training future program expansion
The session emphasized transparency and community partnership. Key resources were highlighted to close the meeting, including OC Links, OC Navigator, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the Crisis Assessment Team.
“This gathering showcased the power of collective effort and demonstrated how thoughtfully organized events can foster greater awareness and empower our community members.”
— Dr. Michelle Rose,
Health Equity Officer - CalOptima Health
The next BHEC Public Quarterly Meeting will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 4–6 p.m.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PANEL ORGANIZATIONS:
Chief
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Never a Bother
! Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
Now
Toolkits can be used to support youth suicide prevention efforts in schools, clinics, programs serving youth and families, at community events and more.
What’s Included:
Each toolkit contains over 700 pre-printed items in English and Spanish, including: Palm cards on: Suicide Warning Signs, Coping Skills, How to Help, Getting Help, and Positive Childhood Experiences Posters, pocket cards, stickers, and youth activity books
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View toolkit materials and place an order at the Never a Bother Storefront.
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Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden across, down, and horizontal
ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS
BEHAVIORAL
BELONGING COMMUNITY CONNECTION
DIGNITY
EQUALITY
EQUITY
HEALING
HOPE
INCLUSION
JUNETEENTH MENTAL HEALTH
OC NAVIGATOR RECOVERY
RESILIENCE
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/zwc9pVnjcj
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 Ortega 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
(BHAB) - General Meeting
Every 4 Wednesday of the Month th 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
601 N. Ross St., Santa, CA 92701
MPR & County Conference Center Rm #104
Community Suicide Prevention Coalition
July 15, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Behavioral Health Training Center
750 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868
Behavioral Health Equity Committee (BHEC) Quaterly Public Meeting
June 22, 2026 - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Behavioral Health Training Center
750 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868
(BHAB) - Study Committee Meeting
Every 2 Wednesday of the Month nd 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
601 N. Ross St., Santa, CA 92701
MPR & County Conference Center Rm #104
Behavioral Health Equity Committee - Summit
September 24, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Behavioral Health Training Center
750 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868
Behavioral Health Advisory Board Behavioral Health Advisory Board BHEC| Equity Exchange
